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A pagoda is the general term in the English Language for a tiered Tower with multiple Eaves common in China , Japan , Korea , Nepal , Vietnam , and other parts of Asia . Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist , and were often located in or near Temple s. This term may refer to other religious structures in some countries. In Thailand , "pagoda" usually means the same as Stupa while in Vietnam , "pagoda" is a more generic term referring to a Place Of Worship . History of the Pagoda ]] , Vietnam ]] The modern Pagoda is an evolution of the Indian Stupa , a tomb-like structure where sacred relics could be kept safe and venerated.The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia University Press The architectural structure of the stupa has spread across Asia, taking on many diverse forms as details specific to different regions are incorporated into the overall design. The Chinese word for stupa, ''ta'', is an abbreviated translation (from ''tapo'') of the Sanskrit Stupa . The origins of the word pagoda are obscure. In modern usage, the word stupa and pagoda refer to the same thing.The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture By John Kieschnick. Published 2003. Princeton University Press . ISBN 0691096767. pg 31 The pagoda's original purpose was to house relics and sacred writings. A World History of Architecture By Michael W. Fazio, Marian Moffett, Lawrence Wodehouse. Published 2003. McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN 0071417516. This purpose was popularized due to the efforts of Buddhist Missionaries , pilgrims, rulers, and ordinary devotees to seek out, distribute, and extol Buddhist relics. Symbolism Chinese Iconography is noticeable in Chinese Pagoda architecture. The image of the Shakyamuni Buddha in the '' Abhaya Mudra '' is also noticeable in some Pagodas. Buddhist iconography can be observed throughout the pagoda symbolism.The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture By John Kieschnick. Published 2003. Princeton University Press . ISBN 0691096767. page 83 In an article on Buddhist elements in Han art, Wu Hung suggests that in these tombs, Buddhist iconography was so well incorporated into native Chinese traditions that a unique system of symbolism had been developed.The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture By John Kieschnick. Published 2003. Princeton University Press . ISBN 0691096767. page 84 Architecture Pagodas attract Lightning strikes because of their height. This tendency may have played a role in their perception as Spiritual ly charged places. Many pagodas have a decorated Finial at the top of the structure. The finial is designed in such a way as to have symbolic meaning within Buddhism; for example, it may include designs representing a Lotus . The finial also functions as a Lightning Rod , and thus helps to both attract lightning and protect the pagoda from lightning damage. Some famous pagodas of Kaifeng , China , built in 1049 AD.]] in Taipei , Taiwan ]]
Modern Skyscrapers that evoke pagoda architecture:
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