Chorten

A chorten, also spelled chörten, is a Buddhist reliquary monument in Tibetan Buddhist practice, equivalent to the stupa in South Asian traditions. Chortens are built as memorials, containers for sacred relics, and focal points for devotional activity. They are widespread across the Himalayan region, including Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, and parts of India.

Architecturally, a chorten typically features a base or plinth, a dome-shaped mound, an upper square harmika, and a spire topped with a parasol or umbrella. The spire often contains a series of rings or steps (commonly 13) that symbolize stages of spiritual development. The exterior is frequently white, and many chortens display the eyes of the Buddha on or near the harmika. Chortens are traditionally circumambulated in a clockwise direction during rituals, a practice known as kora.

Chortens serve multiple roles in Buddhist life. They function as places for meditation and pilgrimage, as vessels for offerings, and as memorials to individuals or significant events. They come in a range of sizes, from small roadside cairns to large monastery complexes, and while traditional forms are built of stone, brick, or plaster, modern examples may use reinforced concrete or metal.

Notable examples include the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the largest and most famous chortens in the world, and the Shanti Stupa in Leh, India, which was constructed as a symbol of peace.