What are dome-shaped buildings used in Buddhist worship called?

Dome-shaped buildings used in Buddhist worship are called stupas. These architectural forms serve as reliquaries, often containing sacred relics, and are significant in Buddhist practices and rituals. Stupas are not only places for meditation and worship but are also symbols of the Buddha’s presence. Their design is rich in symbolism, often representing various elements of the Buddhist teachings and cosmology.

In contrast, pagodas are typically multi-tiered towers often found in East Asia, which may serve as temples or places of worship but are distinctly different from stupas in structure and purpose. Monasteries are residential complexes for monks, supporting a communal lifestyle focused on spiritual practice and discipline. Temples, while also places of worship, may not necessarily have the dome-shaped structure characteristic of stupas and can vary widely in design and function depending on cultural contexts. The specific identification of dome-shaped structures as stupas underscores their unique role in Buddhist worship.