stupas

Stupas are dome-shaped monuments that serve as Buddhist reliquaries and focal points for meditation and pilgrimage. The term comes from the Sanskrit stūpa, meaning a heap or mound, and the form originated in the Indian subcontinent. They are typically built to enshrine sacred relics or objects associated with the Buddha or Buddhist teachers, and they function as commemorative monuments as well as places for circumambulatory devotion.

A conventional stupa consists of several elements with symbolic meaning. The hemispherical or mound-like body is called the anda, which represents the universe. The square platform or railing at the top is the harmika, enclosing a central pillar called the yasti that rises through the harmika and often culminates in a series of umbrella-like discs or chatras. The base is usually square or polygonal, and worshippers circle the monument in a ritual path, known as pradakshina, to express reverence.

Historically, stupas were developed in ancient India and became central to Buddhist practice, often housing the Buddha's relics. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is among the earliest large-scale examples. Over centuries, the form spread throughout Asia, evolving into regionally specific styles. In Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia, stupa-like structures are called dagobas; in Tibet and Nepal they are known as chortens; in East Asia, the form influenced the pagoda tradition.

Notable examples include the Sanchi Stupa (India), Boudhanath and other stupa complexes (Nepal), Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar), and the large stupa complexes at Borobudur (Indonesia). Today stupas remain active religious symbols and pilgrimage sites, reflecting their enduring role in Buddhist practice and heritage.