Temple

==Buddhist temples==
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[[File:Mahabodhitemple.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Mahabodhi]] temple, [[Bihar, India]]]]

Buddhist temples include the structures called [[stupa]], [[wat]] and [[pagoda]] in different regions and languages. A Buddhist temple might contain a [[meditation]] hall hosting ''[[Buddharupa]]'', or the image of [[Buddha]], as the object of concentration and veneration during a meditation. The stupa domed structures are also used in a circumambulation ritual called ''[[Pradakshina]]''.

Temples in [[Buddhism]] represent the pure land or pure environment of a [[Buddha (general)|Buddha]]. Traditional Buddhist temples are designed to inspire inner and outer peace.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kadampanewyork.org/temple/ |title=New York Buddhist Temple for World Peace |publisher=Kadampanewyork.org |date=1997-08-01 |access-date=2012-06-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611060043/http://www.kadampanewyork.org/temple/ |archive-date=2012-06-11 }}</ref>

Three types of structures are associated with the [[Sacred architecture|religious architecture]] of [[Pre-sectarian Buddhism|early Buddhism]]: monasteries ([[vihara]]s), places to venerate relics ([[stupa]]s), and shrines or prayer halls ([[chaitya]]s, also called ''chaitya grihas''), which later came to be called temples in some places. The pagoda is an evolution of the Indian stupas.

The initial function of a stupa was the veneration and safe-guarding of the relics of [[Gautama Buddha]]. The earliest archaeologically known example of a stupa is the relic stupa located in [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], [[Bihar]] in India.

In accordance with changes in religious practice, stupas were gradually incorporated into chaitya-grihas (prayer halls). These are exemplified by the complexes of the [[Ajanta Caves]] and the [[Ellora Caves]] ([[Maharashtra]]). The [[Mahabodhi Temple]] at [[Bodh Gaya]] in [[Bihar]] is another well-known example.

As Buddhism spread, Buddhist architecture diverged in style, reflecting the similar trends in Buddhist art. Building form was also influenced to some extent by the different forms of Buddhism in the northern countries, practising [[Mahayana]] Buddhism in the main and in the south where [[Theravada]] Buddhism prevailed.