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The Great Stupa at Sanchi, India, established byAshoka the great (4th–1st century BCE).

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A stupa (from Sanskrit: m., स्तू�प, stūpa, Sinhalese: ස්ථූපය, Pāli: थु�प "thūpa", literally meaning "heap") is a mound-

like structure containing Buddhistrelics, typically the ashes of deceased, used by Buddhists as a place of

meditation. The term "reliquary" is sometimes used, after a Christianfunctional equivalent. Stupas are an ancient

form of mandala.[1]

Contents

  [hide] 

1  Description and history

o 1.1  Types of stupas

o 1.2  Features of a stupa

2  Symbolism

o 2.1  Five purified elements

3  Construction

o 3.1  Treasury

o 3.2  Tree of Life

o 3.3  Benefits

4  Eight great stupas

o 4.1  Lotus Blossom Stupa

o 4.2  Enlightenment Stupa

o 4.3  Stupa of Many Doors

o 4.4  Stupa of Descent from the God Realm

o 4.5  Stupa of Great Miracles

o 4.6  Stupa of Reconciliation

o 4.7  Stupa of Complete Victory

o 4.8  Stupa of Nirvana

5  Kalachakra stupa

6  Regional names

7  Gallery

8  See also

9  References

o 9.1  Footnotes

o 9.2  Notations

10  External links

[edit]Description and history

Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, northeastern India is the oldest Stupa in existence.

Stupa surrounded by four lion-crowned pillars. Gandhara, 2nd century CE.

The stupa is the oldest Buddhist religious monument and was originally only a simple mound of mud or clay to

cover relics of the Buddha (cetiya). After the parinirvana of the Buddha, his remains were cremated and the

ashes divided and buried under eight stupas with two further stupas encasing the urn and the embers. Little is

known about these early stupas, particularly since it has not been possible to identify the original ten monuments.

However, some later stupas, such as at Sarnath and Sanchi, seem to be embellishments of earlier mounds.

In the third century BC, after his conversion to Buddhism, the emperor Asoka had the original stupas opened and

the remains distributed among the several thousand stupas he had built. Nevertheless, the stupas at the eight

places associated with the life of the Buddha continued to be of particular importance. Accordingly, the

importance of a stupa changed from being a funerary monument to being an object of veneration. As a

consequence their appearance changed also. Stupas were built in Sri Lanka soon after King

Devanampiyatissa converted to Buddhism, the first stupa to be built was theThuparamaya. Later on Sri Lanka

went on to build many stupas over the years, some like the Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura being one of the

tallest ancient structures in the world.[2] Sri Lanka also boasts construction of stupas, which have used most

advanced engineering techniques and knowledge, for example the use of 'lightning conductors' and 'special

shelters (vatadage)', which is the reason they have been standing undamaged for thousands of years.[citation needed]

Ghalegay hosts one of the biggest stupas at Mohallah Singardar in district Swat, Pakistan.[citation needed]

They evolved into large hemispherical mounds with features such as the torana (gateway), the vedica (fence-like

enclosure evolved from the vedicvillages), the harmika (a square platform with railings on top of the

stupa), chattrayashti (the parasol or canopy) and a circumambulatory around the stupa. From the third century

BCE onwards, stupas were incorporated into the hall of the chaitya-griha.

One such stupa was discovered at Sopara, an ancient port near Mumbai, and is believed to be one of the most

ancient stupas in the world. The oldest known stupa is the Dhamek Stupa  at Sarnath, India, while the tallest is

the Phra Pathom Chedi  in Nakhon Pathom , Thailand, at a height of 127 metres. The most elaborate stupa is the

8th century Borobudur monument in Java, Indonesia. The upper rounded terrace with rows of bell shaped stupas

contained buddha images symbolizing Arupadhatu, the sphere of formlessness. The main stupa itself is empty,

symbolizing complete perfection of enlightenment. The main stupa is only the crown part of the monument, while

the base is pyramidal structure elaborate with galleries adorned with bas relief of scenes derived from Buddhist

text depicted the life of Siddharta Gautama . Borobudur unique and significant architecture has been

acknowledge by UNESCO as the largest buddhist monument in the world. According

to Brahmi, kharoshti, Pali and Sanskrit edicts Ashoka the great  founded 84,000 stupas all over the south Asia.

The stupa evolved into the pagoda as Buddhism spread to other Asian countries. The pagoda has varied forms

that also include bellshaped and pyramidal ones. Today, in the Western context, there is no clear distinction

between the stupa and the pagoda. But in general stupa is used for a Buddhist structure of India or south-east

Asia, while pagoda refers to a building in east Asia which can be entered and which may be secular in purpose.

[edit]Types of stupas

Built for a variety of reasons, Buddhist stupas are classified based on form and function into five types: [3]

Relic stupa - in which the relics or remains of the Buddha, his disciples

and lay saints are interred.

Object stupa - in which the items interred are objects belonged to the

Buddha or his disciples such as a begging bowl or robe, or important

Buddhist scriptures.

Commemorative stupas - built to commemorate events in the lives of

Buddha or his disciples.

Symbolic stupa- to symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology, for example,

Borobuddur is considered to be the symbol of "the Three Worlds (dhatu)

and the spiritual stages (bhumi) in a Mahayana bodhisattva's character."[3]

Votive stupas - constructed to commemorate visits or to gain spiritual

benefits, usually at the site of prominent stupas which are regularly visited.

[edit]Features of a stupa

Harmika-It is built on the top of the oval shaped stupa.

Medhi-It is an elevated circular path around the stupa used for

Pradhikshina

Toran-It is the Gateway to the stupa.

Vedica-It is a railing meant for the protection of the holy place.

[edit]Symbolism

The sharing of the relics of the Buddha, Zenyōmitsu-Temple Museum, Tokyo

Buddha relics from Kanishka's stupa  in Peshawar, Pakistan. These surviving relics are now housed inMandalay, Burma.

"The shape of the stupa represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion throne. His

crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the spire's base; his body is the vase shape; his legs are

the four steps of the lower terrace; and the base is his throne."[4]

[edit]Five purified elements

Although not described in any Tibetan text on stupa symbolism, the stupa may represent the five purified

elements:[5]

The square base represents earth

The hemispherical dome/vase represents water

The conical spire represents fire

The upper lotus parasol and the crescent moon represents air

The sun and the dissolving point represents the element of space

[edit]Construction

To build a stupa, transmissions and ceremonies from a Buddhist teacher is necessary.[6] Which kind of Stupa to

be constructed in a certain area is decided together with the teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the

type of stupa chosen is directly connected with events that have taken place in the area.[6]

[edit]Treasury

All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Small offerings called Tsa-Tsas fill a major part of the

treasury. Creation of various types of Tsa-Tsas is a ceremony itself. Mantras written on paper are rolled into thin

rolls, and put into these small clay stupas.[6] Filling the treasury, one layer of Tsa-Tsas are placed, and the empty

space between is filled with dry sand. On the new surface appearing, another layer is made, until the entire

space of a treasury is full.[6]

The number of Tsa-Tsas are dependent on the size of both the treasury and Tsa-Tsa, since it should be

completely filled. For example, the Kalachakra stupa  in southern Spain has approximately 14 000 Tsa-Tsas

within.[6]

Jewellery and other "precious" objects are also placed in the treasury. It is not necessary that the jewellery be

expensive, since it is the symbolic value that is important, not the market price.[6] It is believed that the more

objects placed into the stupa, the stronger the energy of the Stupa will be.[6]

[edit]Tree of Life

A very important element in every Stupa is the Tree of Life. It is a wooden pole covered with gems and

thousands of mantras, and placed in the central channel of the stupa.[6] It is placed here during a ceremony

or initiation, where the participants hold colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together the participants

make their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life. In this way the stupa is

charged up, and will start to function.[6]

[edit]Benefits

Building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future

benefits from this action will result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits will be the result, such as being

born into a rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, and being attractive and bringing joy to others and

having a long and happy life, in which one's wishes are fulfilled quickly.[7] On the absolute level, one will also be

able to reach enlightenment, the goal of Buddhism, quickly.[7]

Destroying a stupa on the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to killing.[8] Such an

action is explained to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to massive future problems. It is said this

action will leave the mind in a state of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to totally unfortunate rebirths. [8]

[edit]Eight great stupas

The Eight Great Stupas

There are eight different kinds of stupas in Tibetan Buddhism, each referring to major events in the Buddha's life.

[5]

[edit]Lotus Blossom Stupa

Also known as Stupa of Heaped Lotuses or Birth of the Sugata Stupa, this stupa refers to the birth of the Buddha.

"At birth Buddha took seven steps in each of the four directions"[5] (East, South, West and North). In each

direction lotuses sprang, symbolizing the Four Immeasurables: love, compassion, joy and equanimity. The four

steps of the basis of this stupa is circular, and it is decorated with lotus-petal designs. Occasionally, seven

heaped lotus steps are constructed. These refer to the seven first steps of the Buddha.[5]

[edit]Enlightenment Stupa

Also known as the Stupa of the Conquest of Mara. This stupa symbolizes the 35-year-old Buddha's attainment of

enlightenment under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya , where he conquered worldly temptations and attacks

manifesting in the form of Mara.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Many Doors

Also known as the Stupa of Many Gates. After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha taught his first students in a

deer-park nearSarnath. The series of doors on each side of the steps represent the first teachings: the Four

Noble Truths, the Six Perfections, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Twelve Links in the Chain of Dependent

Origination.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Descent from the God Realm

At 42 years of age, Buddha spent a summer retreat in Tushita Heaven, where his mother had taken rebirth. In

order to repay her kindness he taught the dharma to her reincarnation. Local inhabitants built a stupa like this

in Sankasya in order to commemorate this event. This stupa is characterized by having a central projection at

each side containing a triple ladder or steps.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Great Miracles

Also known as Stupa of Conquest of the Tirthikas. This stupa refers to various miracles performed by the Buddha

when he was 50 years old. Legend claims that he overpowered maras and heretics by engaging them in

intellectual arguments and also by performing miracles. This stupa was raised by the Lichavi kingdom to

commemorate the event.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Reconciliation

This stupa commemorates the Buddha's resolution of a dispute among the sangha. A stupa in this design was

built in the kingdom of Magadha, where the reconciliation occurred. It has four octagonal steps with equal sides.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Complete Victory

This stupa commemorates Buddha's successful prolonging of his life by three months. It has only three steps,

which are circular and unadorned.[5]

[edit]Stupa of Nirvana

This stupa refers to the death of the Buddha, when he was 80 years old. It symbolizes the Buddha's complete

absorption into the highest state of mind. It is bell-shaped and usually not ornamented.[5]

[edit]Kalachakra stupa

Main article: Kalachakra stupa

A 9th kind of stupa exists; the Kalachakra stupa. Its symbolism is not connected to events in the Buddha's life,

but instead to the symbolism of the Kalachakra Tantra , created to protect against negative energies.[9]

[edit]Regional names

Regional names for stupa include:

Chaitya  (Nepal)[3]

Dāgaba (usually spelled "Dagoba") (Sinhalese: දා�ගැ�බ, from

Sanskrit dhātu-garbha. (दा�तू�-गर्भ�) "relic-chamber" )[3]

Chedi (Thai: เจดี�ย์�, from the Pāli cetiya (चे तितूय)[3]

Candi (Indonesia and Malaysia, pronounced 'chandi').[3]

Chorten [Tibet, Ladakh (India) and Bhutan] མཆོ� ད་རྟེ� ན༏ (Wylie: mchod rten),

"basis of offering")[3]

Chedey (Cambodia)[3]

Phrathāt (Lanna)

Havitta (Dhivehi:  ަތ� ްއ� ިވ� or ustubu (Maldives) (ަހ�

Suburgan/Suvarga (Mongolia)

Субурган (Russia)

Tap (Korea [塔/탑], from Chinese)

Tháp (Vietnam [塔, from Chinese])

Thart (Laos)

Ta (Chinese: 塔; Mandarin Pinyin: tă; Jyutping: taap3),

ancient transliteration of Sanskrit stupa.

Sotoba (Japan [卒塔婆/そとば], Tō (Japan [塔/とう], from Chinese)

Zedi (Myanmar [Zedi စေ�တီ�) /Pahto (ပု�ထို��]) Setaow (စေ�တီ, /cetɔe/)

Tseti (စေတီ�) or Puhto (ပု�ထို�ဝ် ) Chedi/Thoopam (Tamil

Pagoda South East Asia[3]

Tope (Hindi: स्तू�प, from the Sanskrit)

Garbha (Sanskrit: गर्भ�, meaning a storehouse or repository)

[edit]Gallery

The Great Stupa at Sanchi,India,established byAshoka the great (4th–1st century BCE).

 

Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, northeastern India is thought to be the oldest Stupa in

existence.

 

Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious complex atop a

hill in theKathmandu Valley, Nepal.

 

Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites inKathmandu Valley, Nepal.

 

Ruwanwelisaya Chedi in the sacred city ofAnuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

 

Jetavanaramaya stupa inAnuradhapura, Sri Lankais the largest brick structure in the

world[2]

 

The main Stupa crowningBorobudur, the largest Buddhist structure in the

world, Java, Indonesia.

 

A rock cut and semi brick construction ruins of Maha Chaitya(stupa)

atBojjannakonda, Andhra Pradesh, India

 

The Great Stupa atShambhala Mountain Center, Colorado, USA

 

Khmer style stupa within the Royal Palace inPhnom Penh, Cambodia.

 

Different architectural features that compriseShwedagon Pagoda and similar Mon-style

stupas, in Yangon, Myanmar.

 

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi within Wat Phra Kaeo , inBangkok, Thailand.

 

White Dagoba Temple (Baita Si), also calledMiaoying Si, in Beijing,China.

 

Stupa in Gotemba,Shizuoka City , Japan.

 

Stupa at near Potala Palace , Lhasa, Tibet.

 

Stupa in Quaid-i-Azam University Campus inIslamabad, Pakistan.

 

Evolution of the Butkara stupa  in Pakistan, through the Mauryan, Indo-Greek,Indo -

Scythian and Kushanperiods.

 

A pagoda at Dambullagolden temple, Sri Lanka

[edit]See also

Ancient stupas of Sri Lanka

Cetiya

Chaitya

Gorintō

Great Stupa of Universal Compassion

Hōkyōintō

Mankiala Stupa

Pagoda

Peace Pagoda

[edit]References

[edit]Footnotes

1. ̂  Prebish & Keown, Introducing Buddhism, page 89

2. ^ a b "ANCIENT STUPAS IN SRI LANKA – LARGEST BRICK STRUCTURES

IN THE WORLD". stupa.org. Retrieved 2011-07-29.

3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Le Huu Phuoc (March 2010). Buddhist Architecture. Grafikol.

p. 140. ISBN 978-0-9844043-0-8. Retrieved 8 December 2011.

4. ̂  "Introduction to stupas". stupa.org. Retrieved 2009-04-18.

5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Beer, Robert: The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs

(2004) Serindia Publications Inc. ISBN 1-932476-10-5

6. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Miracle Stupa - Stupa". stupa.pl. Retrieved 2009-04-18.

7. ^ a b "Benefits Resulting from the Building of Stupas". stupa.org. Retrieved

2009-04-18.

8. ^ a b Article: Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche: The Four Thoughts which Turn the Mind

from Samsara. BUDDHISM TODAY, Vol.5, 1998. Available online

9. ̂  "Kalachakra Stupa". karmaguen.org. Retrieved 2009-04-18.[dead link]

[edit]Notations

Mitra, D. (1971). Buddhist Monuments. Sahitya Samsad: Calcutta. ISBN 0-

89684-490-0.

Wikimedia Commons has

media related to: Stupas

[edit]External links

The Stupa Information Page

Boudhanath Stupa at Kathmandu Nepal

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, under construction in Bendigo,

Victoria, Australia

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