chedi

Chédi, commonly spelled chedi in English, is a term used in Thai and broader Southeast Asian Buddhist architecture to denote a stupa or reliquary mound. Chedis are housed relics or sacred objects and are typically placed within temple complexes to mark sanctified spaces and to provide a focus for devotion and circumambulation. The form of chedi varies by region, but the concept is shared across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, with antecedents in Indian stupa design.

Etymology and use: The name derives from the Sanskrit caitya or Pali chaitya, meaning sanctuary or shrine. In Thai usage, chedi refers to the monumental reliquary mound rather than a secular monument.

Design and symbolism: A chedi generally comprises a square or polygonal base, a tapered, dome-like body, and a slender spire topped by an umbrella or jewel. The exterior may be plain or elaborately decorated with gold leaf, ceramic tiles, or stucco reliefs. The spire symbolizes the path to enlightenment, while the base often houses relics or sacred inscriptions.

Cultural context and examples: Chedis are central to temple precincts and Buddhist pilgrimage. Notable examples include Phra Sri Rattana Chedi at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and the chedi at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, which illustrate regional adaptations of the stupa form.