A Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery is the place of worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat, and pagoda in different regions and languages. Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. The architecture and structure of Buddhist temples vary from region to region, but they are usually designed to inspire inner and outer peace. The most important part of a temple is the main hall with Buddha images and an altar. People make offerings of flowers and incense at the altar and bow in respect to the Three Jewels.
In different regions, Buddhist temples are known by different names. For example, in Japan, they are typically called "temples" and include a Main Hall, while in Thailand, they are known as "wat" and consist of two parts: the Phutthawat and the Sangkhawat. In addition to temples, there are other types of Buddhist structures, such as monasteries, stupas, and pagodas. Monasteries are the home of monks and nuns, and they also serve as centers for meditation and learning Buddhism. Lay people often visit the monastery for retreats or to study and live the Buddhist teachings in a peaceful place. Stupas are dome-shaped buildings that contain the relics of the Buddha, and people pay their respect by walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction. Pagodas are towers with many floors, each with a graceful roof and a top roof capped by a spire. They are designed to symbolize the five elements: Fire, Air, Earth, Water, and Wisdom.
