I'd love to be able to give a definitive explanation of the differences between stupas, temples and pagodas but the more I research the more confused I become. The explanation given by our Burmese tour guide seems to be the most clear and most often given in the articles I've read so I'll share that. It makes sense to me!
The term "pagoda', in general, can be used for any kind of Buddhist edifice without specific architectural requirements. However the bell shaped structures providing a place for the faithful to pray and make an offering is a stupa, which is actually an Indian term. Prayers and offerings are made outside the stupa. The center of the structure usually enshrines a holy relic. Pagodas and stupas are not entered. They don't actually have doors.
The next distinctive Buddhist structure is a 'temple' where devotees enter to pray, meditate and learn from paintings and Buddha images placed inside. This reminded me a bit of early Christian stained glass windows in cathedrals which were not just beautiful but reminders of Biblical stories.
The term "pagoda', in general, can be used for any kind of Buddhist edifice without specific architectural requirements. However the bell shaped structures providing a place for the faithful to pray and make an offering is a stupa, which is actually an Indian term. Prayers and offerings are made outside the stupa. The center of the structure usually enshrines a holy relic. Pagodas and stupas are not entered. They don't actually have doors.
Around the outside of the large gilded stupa are these small altars for prayer and offerings.
This is inside a temple where people are meditating and praying. They don't actually 'worship' Buddha because he is not considered a God. And yes, tourists walk among them taking photos.
A temple doorway decorated with carvings depicting stories from the Buddha's life! They are beautiful and also give reminders of his teachings.
Here's a temple with stupas in the background.
Again you can see the stupas and also the temples.
Most of the building are quite spectacular! Nothing quite like gilded structures in the sunlight!
And none more beautiful than the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangoon, Myanmar.
Unfortunately for us, while we were there it was being re-gilded using donations from faithful people throughout Burma. Every Buddhist should come to Shwedagon Pagoda at least once in their lifetime. Sort of like a trip to Mecca for a Muslim! Again my heart was touched as I thought about the sacrifice of so many to donate gold and money to make their sacred building shine in the sunshine again!
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