Discovering the Unknown Side of Stupas

A stupa is generally known as the most important architectural symbol in Buddhism, but few are aware of the fact that the structure pre-dates Buddhism itself. It has existed through pre-Buddhist times in India in some shape or form. The remains of the dead, mostly of someone important, were stored in a mound to pay homage and reverence to.

Often, remains of the great teachers were stored inside a mound of dirt. At other times, they were buried seated in a meditating position, hence the mound structure.

With the advent of Buddhism, the stupa came to be associated with Buddha, as post his death, his remains were buried in 8 different places and people had stupas erected upon them.

Embodiment of Buddha Himself

As the legend goes, it was Asoka, the Mauryan King who embraced Buddhism which led to its spread across his empire. He had those 8 original stupas opened and the remains of Buddha distributed across 84,000 stupas that he built across his empire, an area constituting part of modern day Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

Thus, the stupas came to be regarded as, among other things, an embodiment of Buddha. Buddhists believe it to hold the protective powers as well as the energy of Buddha.

Tibetan Stupas In China
Tibetan Stupas In China

The Socio-Economic Side

With the growth of stupas across Buddhist populated areas, and a frequent movement of pilgrims and devotees to them, stupas took on a larger role in the socio-economic history of Buddhist communities. They came to be a source of income for the artisans, sculptors, merchants and monks.

A lot of economic activity is generated in and around these religious architectures as devotees as well as tourists and visitors flock to them on a daily basis. Lodges and accommodations have sprung up to cater to the visitors from afar. In the past too, many provided lodging places to merchants and travelers as the stupas were located on important trade routes and in far flung areas.

A Miniature Universe

I bet you didn’t know this one. So the stupa is also thought to be representing a miniature version of the universe.

The yasti or spire at the top of the stupa represents the axis mundi (an imaginary line around which the earth as well as the whole universe is thought to revolve). The axis symbolizes the centre of the cosmos around which everything is thought to revolve. The axis divides the earth into 6 directions, east west, north, south, zenith and nadir.

Similarly the human anatomy is fashioned around this same idea where the spinal cord represents the axis. The purpose of life hence, is to ascend to one’s mind through progressive enlightenment.

Shwe Indein Stupas, Myanmar

They Come In All Sizes

Smaller versions can be kept around the house or you can carry them in your pocket. They also serve as votive offerings. To fulfill a vow, or to enhance karma, one can sponsor a small stupa, which is usually carved with writings such as “to attain enlightenment“.

Share:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on whatsapp
WhatsApp
Share on email
Email

Related Posts

Tandin Nye, Thimphu, Bhutan
Buddhist Sites

Tandin Nye, Thimphu, Bhutan

According to the Nyeyig, Guru Rinpoche གུ་རུ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ། in the 8th century is believed to have meditated on the practice of Tandin རྟ་མགྲིན་ (Hayagriva) at this place in order to subdue the evil forces of the region. Centuries later, great masters such as Phajo Drugom during the 13th century and Terton Drukdra Dorji in the 17th century is also supposed to have meditated and practiced at this place.

Read More »
Rare Old Photos of Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
Buddhist Sites

Rare Old Photos of Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

The Boudhanath Stupa, locally known as Khasti (खास्ती) in Nepali language or Boudha Stupa, in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal was built hundreds of years ago and carry with it a long history that is an important part of the story of Nepal and of Buddhism in the Himalaya. In these rare photos collection of the stupa we can witness this great monument as it looked in the past and see the transformation the entire Kathmandu valley went through. Still, even though many years as passed, it seems that the stupa itself stood strong and changed very little over the years.

Read More »
Amravati Stupa
Buddhist Sites

Amravati Stupa in Amravati, India

Located in Andhra Pradesh in India, the Amravati Stupa is an exemplary relic that displays the best work of the Buddhist school of architecture. It is 65 kilometers away from the city of Vijayawada and attracts hundreds of pilgrims, followers, and tourists from India and across the world every year. While the radiant monument doesn’t need any sidelines to enhance the look, the placement of it on the banks of the River Krishna adds a lot to its charm and glory.

Read More »
Jetavanaramaya Stupa
Buddhist Sites

Jetavanaramaya Stupa in Anuradhpura

The Jetavanaramaya is a Buddhist stupa and at 122 meters (400 feet) is ranked as the world’s tallest stupa and the third tallest structure back when it was originally built almost 1700 years ago. It is believed to have been built at the site where the last rights of Hinda Maha Thero were performed. Hinda, a revered figure in Sri Lankan history, is the monk who first brought Buddhism to the island.

Read More »

Join our reddit community.