Written By: Momo Otieno and Luckmann Pierre
Religious structures and temples worldwide testify to the cultures and deities they represent. Among these, Buddhist temples and Catholic cathedrals are remarkable for their intricate architecture and visual complexity. The craftsmanship and storytelling, combining religious iconography and cultural imagery, are awe-inspiring. Beyond their stunning designs, these structures have unique histories and reflect the interplay between religion, culture, and art. Buddhism and Catholicism are not bound by any specific region or culture, which has allowed for various styles, designs, building techniques, materials, philosophies, and uses. The diversity of these structures reveals the rich cultural and religious histories of the communities they serve. When viewed in their social context, these structures offer a deeper understanding of their significance. They are acts of worship and service to the community, showcasing the commitment and devotion of the builders and worshippers who created them. These buildings’ grand scale and exquisite detail were intended to uplift and glorify both the gods they represent and the builders who created them, showcasing their nation’s capabilities and people’s talents. In short, these religious structures are more than just buildings. They reflect the people and cultures that built them, testify to their beliefs and values, and inspire generations to come.
Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang is a 2.6 acres buddhist temple complex built in the 7th century by king Songtsän Gampo located in Lhasa Tibet. This temple serves as one of the holiest places in tibet, the building houses a statue of the Shakyamuni buddha from when he was alive. It is a four storey building making it the tallest building in Lhasa because all the other buildings can’t be higher than four floors making the Jokhang temple the tallest building because of its unique design. This emphasizes the importance of the building by allowing it to stand out in addition to showing a dedication to buddhism by allowing the temple to be the tallest biggest building in the city allowing it to act as almost the heart of the city . This has historically been the case with Buddhism in Tibet; it has served as the main religion since the 8th century. Meaning that Buddhism has influenced all aspects of Tibetan culture from politics, art , social movements, class structures has been done under the influence of buddhism practice in Tibet known as Tibetan Buddhism. Within Buddhism art forms are viewed first as religious objects and worship. Tibetan Buddhism differs from other forms of Buddhism by the vast pantheon of divine figures and the focus on monasticism. Buddhist temples were not only spaces of worship but survived as a community center, space of education, and charity for both the needy and orphans. This temple is a reflection of the dedication of the Tibetan people to Buddhism and their community.
Haeinsa Temple
The Haeinsa temple was constructed in 802 AD is known as the one of the three jewel temples and survives as a physical representation of the Buddha teachings and is home to the largest collection of buddhist text from 1237 to 1248 like collection has around 80,000 wooden cravings. The temple was designed to store wooden craving as a way to protect the buddhist tradition and ensure that the religious text has a place to be housed. The temple is made of engraved hood blocks.The buildings were designed with air circulation, the building was designed to resemble reflection on smooth sea , a resistance to moisture, and temperature control in mind and they have never suffered the effects of fire or war. Korean Buddhist architecture inspired both Indian and Chinese architecture when building the architectural structures, designed to show balance within the universe with use of natural resources, symmetry, and places of high desire. The quality and consistency of the calligraphy-style carvings suggest that a single man was responsible for the entire collection and that one man is dedicated to Buddha and his teaching. Buddhism in South Korea played a very important role in Korean history. Buddhism was imported to Korea in 4 th century from China when the Korean peninsula was still a three kingdom period, when Korea was divided into kingdoms. Buddhism in Korea was used as a unification tool and was used to inspire ideas of pragmatism, nationalism and artistic growth as the main focus of the religion. The Buddhism practiced in Korea was known as Mahayana Buddhism, shamans played a massive role in korean buddhism performing rituals, dances and teachings and surviving the community. However by the end of the Koryŏ period because of corruption buddhism fell out of favor leading to be replaced by confucianism as the main religion of the state.
Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex located in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. This holy site is considered to be the most sacred place in the country, with its name meaning “the great golden mountain stupa.” The temple complex has existed for centuries and was built between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. The Shwedagon Pagoda stands out for its unique features, such as its stunning exterior and interior gold detailing. The temple’s construction is a testament to human ingenuity, with an enormous amount of precious materials used, including 9 and 60 tons of gold. The golden spire, shaped like an umbrella, is adorned with an impressive number of precious gems, including over 5,000 diamonds and 2,300 rubies. At its pinnacle, the most expensive gemstone in the temple, a 72-carat diamond, sparkles, estimated to be worth a staggering 3 billion USD. The temple complex comprises a main pagoda and several smaller temples and stupas surrounding it. One of the most impressive features of the Shwedagon Pagoda is its underground palace. The central spire of the temple is covered in gold and gold plating, making it an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Buddhism is the most popular religion in Myanmar, with 90% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Myanmar’s cultural roots are deeply tied to Buddhism, which has been a part of the country’s culture since the 9th century. Festivals and day-to-day activities in Myanmar are often related to Buddhism, further highlighting the strong connection between Myanmar and this religion. The Shwedagon Pagoda is not just a religious site but a symbol of Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted association with Buddhism. The temple complex is a living testament to the country’s tradition of constructing awe-inspiring religious structures and its use of precious materials to create a visual spectacle. The architectural style of the Shwedagon Pagoda, influenced by neighboring Buddhist countries such as Thailand, India, and China, adds to the temple’s cultural richness.
Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple
The Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple located in South Africa, established in the year 1967. It is considered the most significant temple and seminary of Buddhism in South Africa, known for its unique architectural design that blends the essence of Chinese Buddhism with the one in South Africa. The temple has a large community of Buddhist fellows, which is believed to be the biggest in Africa. The Buddhist temples in South Africa are inspired by Chinese Buddhism and are designed to provide a Chinese feel to the South African region. The main aim behind this design philosophy is to bring the worship space into a new area and create a sense of home in Africa with temples. However, the temple faced a severe setback on October 30, 2002, when militant Afrikaner right-wing extremists bombed it. Fortunately, the bomb failed to detonate, saving the lives of the monks and preserving the temple’s works. The attack was inspired by the notion of keeping South Africa as the only culture in the country and disallowing other forms of cultural expression, particularly those originating outside of Africa, from existing in Africa. This view needs to be corrected and has had the opposite effect on South Africa. Despite the attack, the temple persevered and served as a place of cultural exchange between the monks and locals. People from all walks of life come to celebrate the lunar new year and other festivities at the temple. The temple also offers the locals dance classes, providing them employment and contributing to the local economy. The temple symbolizes cultural diffusion and tolerance, demonstrating the benefits of embracing diversity and celebrating differences.
Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is a magnificent cathedral initially constructed in 264 AD by St. Ambrose of Milan. It is dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire and is renowned as the world’s largest and most prominent circular cathedral. The building’s design is based on mathematical proportions inspired by Brunelleschi’s original Renaissance design and Roman classical models, making it a true masterpiece of architectural engineering. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Basilica of San Lorenzo remained an emblematic symbol of the legacy of the Roman Empire in Milan. The church is adorned with approximately 200 small mounds on its surface, each of which once supported a dwelling house made of a pole and thatch. The church’s interior is illuminated by large windows decorated with marble in the lower parts and mosaics in the vaults and arches. The Basilica of San Lorenzo served as a ceremonial center with political and religious functions, and it was even considered a minuscule town. It consists of a central core with central symmetry and is crowned by four towers. The cathedral’s grandeur, unique design, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Milan’s rich cultural heritage.
Armenian Aspotlic Church
The Armenian Church is a magnificent structure with a rich history dating back to the mission of apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus. This ancient structure was built between 301 and 303 AD by Saint Gregory entirely using stone, often volcanic or basalt. Its towering height and elegantly pointed domes are a testament to its unique architectural design and will leave visitors in awe. Beyond the architectural beauty, the Armenian Church has played a pivotal role in preserving the Armenian language, literature, and traditions throughout history. Its architecture is known for its distinctive blend of local traditions and influences from Byzantine and Persian styles. The church’s design reflects the liturgical practices of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with emphasis on spaces for specific rituals like baptism and prayer. The Armenian Church continues to serve as a social and cultural center for many Armenians, providing a sense of community and belonging. It is a place of worship where Armenians come together to observe their faith and honor their cultural heritage. The church has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding Armenians of their rich history and culture. Its significance goes beyond being just a place of worship; it symbolizes the Armenian people’s resiliency and determination to preserve their language, literature, and traditions.
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo of Milan is a magnificent Catholic Church and the central place of worship for the Archdiocese of Milan. It stands tall and proud, representing the pride of Milanese residents and their deep connection to their Catholic faith. The Church is a unifying symbol for the community and is adorned with beautiful spires reaching towards the heavens, symbolizing the aspiration towards God.The Duomo’s construction spanned over 500 years, a testament to the Milanese people’s enduring commitment to their faith. As the third largest Church in the world and the most prominent Church in Italy, it boasts of a treasure trove of religious statues, paintings, and stained glass windows that depict stories from the Bible and the lives of saints. The Church has five naves, one central and four lateral, supported by forty pillars. The transept that follows the choir and the apse adds to the grandeur of the structure. The altar’s arched part, known as the apse, is marked with a red light bulb, marking the spot where one of the nails of Jesus’ crucifixion is believed to have been placed. The Duomo’s architecture is unique, a fusion of the international Gothic style and traditional Lombard architecture. The central nave is 45 meters high and is constructed with brick and covered with marble, stretching an impressive length of 157 meters. The Church can accommodate over 40,000 people, and its 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures make it a visual delight for visitors. Each statue stands guard over the city, bearing witness to its history. The Duomo of Milan is not just a Church, but a masterpiece of faith and art that spans over six centuries. Its enduring presence is a reminder of the Milanese people’s deep connection with their Catholic faith and a symbol of their pride and unity.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The Church of Christ the Savior has a three-phase history: construction, demolition, and reconstruction. The best architects and artists of the Russian Academy of Arts worked on its creation. Built between 1839 and 1883 in present day Istanbul. Built in the old Russian Byzantine-revival style. Catholicism in Russia signifies the gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the doom that overshadowed Her. Catholicism is the most widely spread out religion in Russia and is seen as an earthly power. The temple stands at 103 and has a total area of 6,800 square meters with a White exterior with gold. Has an overall height of 103 meters (338 ft), it is the third tallest orthodox christian church building in the world with a capacity of 10,000 people. The building consists of three parts — the Incarnation, the Transfiguration, and the Resurrection. The upper temple is the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour itself. It has three altars: the main one is consecrated to the birth of Jesus, the southern one is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the northern one is dedicated to Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky. The lower temple is a Transfiguration church erected in memory of Alekseevsky convent that used to be located at this place. It has three altars as well: the main one is consecrated to the Transfiguration, and the smaller ones – to Saint Alexius and Theotokos of Tikhvin.The stylobate part of the cathedral contains a museum, the Synod hall, the Supreme Church Council hall, refectories and service rooms. The interior of the temple corresponds to the outer greatness. The height of its inner space is 79 meters. Right on the axis of the main entrance there is a unique iconostasis in the form of white marble octagonal chapel crowned by a gilded dome. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow was built as gratitude to God for help and intercession in the difficult period of Russian history.
Timeline:
Basilica of
San Lorenzo
264 AD
- Armenian Aspotlic
Church
301 AD
- Jokhang Temple
7th century
- Haeinsa Temple
802 AD
- Shwedagon
Pagoda
10th centuries AD
- Duomo di Milano
1386AD
- Cathedral of
christ the Saviour
1839 AD
- Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua
Temple
19671 AD
Placing these two religious structural types in a unified timeline was a significant act that helped bridge the gap between them. It was a representation of humanity’s ever-expanding capacity for creating greatness. While the primary impetus for constructing these magnificent edifices was religion, they became much more than just places of worship. These structures evolved into spaces where communities and cultures thrived, and people found solace, hope, and inspiration. Despite significant stylistic differences between the two structures, there was a shared aspiration to create a space that resembled heaven on earth, where devotees could feel closer to their divine figures. This act of bringing together two seemingly disparate religious structures helped create a sense of unity and harmony and highlighted humanity’s shared values and aspirations. It was a testament to our ability to come together and create something truly magnificent that transcended religious and cultural boundaries and spoke to the essence of our shared humanity. Placing two religious structures in a unified timeline was a significant act that helped bridge the gap between them. It was a representation of humanity’s ever-expanding capacity for creating greatness. While the primary impetus for constructing these magnificent edifices was religion, they became much more than just places of worship. These structures evolved into spaces where communities and cultures thrived, and people found solace, hope, and inspiration. Despite significant stylistic differences between the two structures, there was a shared aspiration to create a space that resembled heaven on earth, where devotees could feel closer to their divine figures. This act of bringing together two seemingly disparate religious structures helped create a sense of unity and harmony and highlighted humanity’s shared values and aspirations. It was a testament to our ability to come together and create something truly magnificent that transcended religious and cultural boundaries and spoke to the essence of our shared humanity.
Throughout human history, temples and cathedrals have served as more than just places of worship. They are remarkable works of art that embody the cultures, traditions, and values of the people who built them. These grand structures showcase a wide range of architectural styles, intricate craftsmanship, and rich symbolism that reflect their creation’s social and historical context. By examining these structures in detail, we can better understand their significance as acts of devotion and expressions of community pride and artistry. For example, the intricate carvings, frescoes, and stained glass windows that adorn these structures are decorative elements and powerful symbols of religious and cultural beliefs. Furthermore, these grand constructions were intended to inspire awe and glorify the deities they represent and the people who brought them to life. From the towering spires to the intricate mosaics, every element of these structures was designed to be a testament to the glory and power of the divine. In conclusion, temples and cathedrals are not just buildings but powerful cultural artifacts that have significantly shaped human history and culture. By studying these works of art, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past’s rich traditions and artistic achievements.
Sources:
Britannica
Time of India
Smarthistory
Harvard
Oxford
Jeon, Jin Yong, et al. “Soundscape Evaluation in a Catholic Cathedral and Buddhist Temple Precincts through Social Surveys and Soundwalks.” The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, vol. 135, no. 4, 2014, pp. 1863–74, https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4866239.
Teiser, Stephen F. “The Wheel of Rebirth in Buddhist Temples.” Arts Asiatiques (Paris), vol. 63,
no. 1, 2008, pp. 139–53, https://doi.org/10.3406/arasi.2008.1666.
