Pagoda multiple stories

Multi-story pagoda: symbol of East Asian religious architecture, combining spirituality and ancient engineering.

About this subject

Pagodas are typical towers of Buddhist architecture in East Asia, especially in Japan, China, and Korea. Originating from Indian stupas, pagodas evolved into multi-story structures, usually made of wood or stone. Each story represents a spiritual level and the number of stories, always odd, ranges from three to thirteen. The design is earthquake-resistant, with wooden interlocking joints that absorb vibrations. A famous example is the Chureito Pagoda in Japan, which offers an iconic view of Mount Fuji. In China, the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, dating from the 11th century, is made of glazed bricks and has survived numerous earthquakes. Pagodas also influenced Western architecture during the 19th-century Orientalist movement. The construction technique using brackets (dougong) allows roofs to protrude without internal columns. These buildings are not only places of worship but also historical and cultural landmarks attracting millions of visitors annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a pagoda?

Originally, pagodas were Buddhist reliquaries housing sacred relics. Today, they serve as temples or monuments symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the connection between heaven and earth.

Why do pagodas have an odd number of stories?

The odd number is associated with Buddhist numerology, representing the incompleteness of the physical world and the pursuit of spiritual perfection.

What is the oldest surviving pagoda?

The Songyue Pagoda in China, built in 523 AD, is considered the oldest masonry pagoda in the world.