A
pagoda is the general term in the English language for a tiered tower,
built in the traditions originating in historic East Asia or with
respect to those traditions, with multiple eaves common in Nepal, India,
China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Burma and other parts of Asia. Some
pagodas are used as Taoist houses of worship. Most pagodas were built to
have a religious function, most commonly
Buddhist, and were often located in or near temples. This term may
refer to other religious structures in some countries. In Vietnam and
Cambodia, due to French translation, the English term pagoda is a more
generic term referring to a place of worship, although pagoda is not an
accurate word to describe a Buddhist temple. The modern pagoda is an
evolution of the Ancient Nepal stupa, a tomb-like structure where sacred
relics could be kept safe and venerated. 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.
