Pagoda

Pagoda: a Buddhist architecture

Pagoda is a unique Buddhist architecture composed of multiple tiered level with multiple eaves. Since the pagoda has multiple levels, these building looks like the tower. Normally these type of building are more common in Nepal, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia. Even though we observe pagoda as a Buddhist architecture, these buildings have equally important in other religions. For example in Nepal, Pagodas houses Hindu deities.

Etymology of the Pagoda

There are several etymologies for the term pagoda. One of the etymology suggests that the term is from a South Chinese pronunciation of the term for an eight-cornered tower. Another etymology believes that the term originated from the temple, Persian butkada or temples of idols.

Another etymology believes that the term originated, as found in many English language dictionaries, from Sanskrit bhagavati, feminine of bhagavat, and from bhag.

Yet another etymology suggests that the term originated from the Sinhala word dagaba which is derived from Sanskrit dhatugarbha or Pali dhatugabbha.

Historical account of the Pagoda: a Buddhist architecture

Historians and archaeologists believe that the origin of the pagoda can be traced to the stupa of 3rd century CE. The stupa is the dome-shaped monument which is included with Buddha statues of five Dhyana Buddhas near the base and inside houses a sacred relics of venerated Buddhist monks or the Buddha itself.

Later the architecture of Chinese towers and Chinese pavilions modified itself according to the pagoda architecture. These type of architecture were then spread to Southeast Asian countries. The main contribution for the spread of the pagoda was due to the efforts of Buddhist missionaries, pilgrims, rulers, and ordinary devotees to seek out, distribute, and venerate the Buddhist relics. Earlier the pagoda's main purpose was to house relics and sacred writings.

As for the stupa, it took a distinct architectural appearance. The stupa was built in a distinctive style of Newa architecture of Nepal which was also spread to Southeastern and East Asian countries. This type of stupa was the artistic creation of Nepali architect Arniko who visited China with Princess Bhikuti and more than 50 other artists from Nepal. Arniko not only spread the stupa but also lots of other Buddhists arts from Nepal in Southeast Asian countries. One of them is paubha painting which was later popularized as thangka painting.

It is recorded that later these architectural monuments- pagoda and stupa- became prominent Buddhist monuments which were used for enshrining sacred relics.

Architectural feature of the Pagoda

It is noted that there exists a variation in the pagoda. For example, Japanese pagoda is quite different from the one that is found in Nepal. Not only this, the pagoda has been derived from different architecture also. Like for example, the pagoda found in the Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia are derived from Dravidian architecture while others are recorded from the Chinese architecture.

But there are some general features that are acquired by almost all architectures. The pagoda's total area or open space inside pagoda keeps on decreasing when moved upstairs. Each floor is equipped with the roof so that the rainwater will move down easily. These roofs are equipped with the multiple eaves. It is recorded that the pagodas have an odd number of levels. The only exception is the eighteenth century that was designed by Sir William Chambers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London.

On the top of the pagoda, it is decorated with finial which is normally made up of metal. Sometimes this finial is referred to as a demon arrester and can function as a lightning rod. It is recorded that due to the height of the pagoda and a finial at its topmost part, the structure attracts the lightning strikes.

Note: Apart from maintaining the blog on Buddha and Buddhism, we also manage huge collection of various period and regional Buddhist arts in our Buddha shop in the Netherlands and also showcased it in our online Buddha statues gallery. Please feel free to visit and know more about the Buddha statues.