stupa

Ruins of a stupa, a shrine to the Buddha and his disciples, at the important archaeological site of Taxila. Stupas were domed temples that originated in India, and were often built to house a religious relic. Taxila is strategically situated on a branch of the Silk Road, which linked China to the West. The remains of three cities have been found here, built in successive ages.

The ancient Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal. Situated on a hill and visible for many miles from all sides of the valley, it is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal. Although its origins pre-date the arrival of Buddhism in Kathmandu, the stupa was already a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century.

Domed structure built to house a Theravādan Buddhist or Jain relic. The stupa originated in India around 1000 BC from burial monuments and is usually a hemisphere crowned by a spire. In the Far East, the stupa developed into the pagoda; in Tibet it became the chorten, meaning ‘funeral pyre’.

Stupas may be simple bell-shaped mounds, more elaborate structures, or ornate, multiple shrines. Symbolism varies from area to area, with similar elements taking on different meanings.

The architecture of the stupa reflects the five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and wisdom. Its plinth represents earth, its main dome water, a spire symbolizes fire, a crescent represents air, and a sun disc represents space. Geometry, such as base rings, number of sides to an enclosure, or other repeated elements, can refer to the Buddha's teachings. For example, three base rings to a stupa refer to the Three Refuges, a four-sided space might mean the Four Noble Truths, and eight will refer to the Eightfold Path. As well as fire, spires also symbolize enlightenment.

Notable stupas are those at Sanchi (3rd-1st century BC), comprised of individual earth and rubble mounds faced with stone and topped with a square platform, on which rests a tiered stone mast, or chattra. Railings and a paved pathway for worshippers surround the stupa.