Types of Places of Worship

Every major religion documented has a central place of worship. These religions have come about in various parts of the world, and each has its own spiritual center and specific type of congregational meeting point.

Pagodas and Stupas

Buddha statues in a pagoda

Pagodas and stupas are the religious temples of Buddhists. The pagodas are located in China and Japan, and the stupas reside in various places built over assumed relics and manuscript teachings of Buddha. Both are places where Buddhists go to learn religious texts from monks, and take part in congregational prayers.

Church

Church in Europe

In church, Christians learn teachings from The Holy Bible in classes, and share in a congregational service on Sundays. Also in church, Christians listen to sermons given by a preacher or pastor and sing hymns dedicated to the worship of God. Marriages, baptisms and funerals also take place in church.

Mosque

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

In the religion of Islam, Muslims worship in a mosque. Here, Muslims may attend five times daily for ritual prayers, or on Fridays for congregational prayer. In its interior is a room dedicated to ritual purification, which a Muslim must perform before entering the main prayer hall.

Synagogue

Outside of a synagogue

A synagogue is a place of worship for followers of the Jewish faith. Here, members of the Jewish community gather for congregational prayers and multiple celebrations. Prayers in a synagogue are often lead by a spiritual leader called a rabbi.

Mandir

Mandir in Malaysia

In the religion of Hinduism, congregational services take place in temples called mandirs. In this temple, a priest recites verses from the Hindu holy scriptures called Vedas. Mandirs always have a special section to house a statue or picture of the deity worshiped there.

Fun Facts

As of the twenty-first century, what is thought to be the oldest place of worship discovered is Gobekli Tepe, built in Turkey over 12,000 years ago.

References

• BBC - Buddhism
• BBC - Buddhism Worship
• Encyclopedia Encarta - Church

Resources

• Religion Facts: The Big Religion Comparison Chart