chortens

Chortens, also called chorten in Tibetan or stupa in Sanskrit, are mound-shaped reliquary monuments central to Tibetan Buddhist practice. They enshrine sacred relics, texts, or the ashes of revered figures and are built to mark sacred sites, monasteries, or memorial events. They function as objects of devotion and as focal points for pilgrimage; ritual circumambulation is common.

Design: A chorten typically consists of a square or rectangular base, a hemispherical dome, a harmika above the dome, and a vertical spire composed of stacked discs topped by a parasol or jewel. The spire often has 5, 9, or 13 segments, with 13 representing the 13 stages of the path to enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism. Exterior surfaces may be whitewashed, painted with mantras, or gilded. Some chortens bear painted eyes on the harmika, known as the Buddha’s eyes.

Symbolism and use: The dome symbolizes the earth and the universe, the harmika represents the realm of the gods, and the spire reflects the axis mundi linking earth and heaven. Chortens serve as pilgrimage sites and are often placed along routes or at crossroads, monasteries, or village centers. Practitioners circumambulate clockwise while reciting prayers, generating merit and affirming faith. They may also house relics, sacred objects, or devotional offerings.

Geographic and cultural context: Chortens are integral to Tibetan Buddhist regions, including Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim, and parts of India and Mongolia. They vary in size from small roadside cairns to monumental structures and continue to be built as memorials or devotional landmarks, reflecting local styles and materials.