Pagoda

DEFINITION

A Buddhist tower with several winged eaves; derived from the Indian stupa. Its function is largely to house sacred objects. Such a temple is typically a several-storied tower. From the second and third centuries, pagodas were constructed of wood. During the Song dynasty of the tenth century, Chinese pagodas were built on a tetragonal plan. During the T&#39;ang dynasty, which immediately followed, pagodas were built on an octagonal plan. The number of stories vary greatly, with the height of each story demising regularly from the base to the summit.(pr. p&#601;-GO-d&#601;)Examples:Japan, Pagoda at Horyu-ji Buddhist temple complex, c. 8th century. See Japanese art. China, Pagoda, Northern Song dynasty (960<br><br>A Buddhist tower with several winged eaves; derived from the Indian stupa. Its function is largely to house sacred objects. Such a temple is typically a several-storied tower. From the second and third centuries, pagodas were constructed of wood. During the Song dynasty of the tenth century, Chinese pagodas were built on a tetragonal plan. During the T&#39;ang dynasty, which immediately followed, pagodas were built on an octagonal plan. The number of stories vary greatly, with the height of each story demising regularly from the base to the summit.(pr. p&#601;-GO-d&#601;)