{"id":5946,"date":"2026-03-04T12:39:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T07:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=5946"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:21:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T11:51:45","slug":"stupas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/stupas\/","title":{"rendered":"Stupas, Types, Features, Significance, Phases"},"content":{"rendered":"

A\u00a0Stupa\u00a0<\/strong>is a dome-shaped sacred monument containing relics of the Buddha or other sacred objects. It holds religious and symbolic significance in Buddhist architecture. Originating in India before the 5th century BCE, stupas evolved from simple burial mounds into sacred Buddhist monuments, becoming central to Buddhist worship and practice.<\/p>\r\n

The term stupa is mentioned in\u00a0Rigveda (estuka), Atharvaveda<\/strong>, and other texts, referring to structures raised on the ground. The Pali term \u201cthupa\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>signifies a conical heap or shrine containing a relic.<\/p>\r\n

Stupas Origin, Evolution<\/h2>\r\n

The stupa was\u00a0originally a funerary mound\u00a0<\/strong>in ancient India, but it gradually evolved into a religious monument associated with the Buddha and his teachings. The\u00a0earliest\u00a0<\/strong>stupas were simple hemispherical mounds of\u00a0earth or brick<\/strong>, but later became more elaborate and were decorated with carvings, reliefs, and sculptures.<\/p>\r\n

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  • Mauryan Empire<\/strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Stupas gained prominence under Emperor\u00a0Ashoka<\/strong>\u00a0(268\u2013232 BCE), who is credited with building thousands of stupas to propagate\u00a0Buddhism<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n
      \r\n\t
    • Before Ashoka\u2019s reign,\u00a0eight stupas<\/strong>\u00a0were built to enshrine the cremated remains of the Buddha at significant locations tied to his life.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Ashoka redistributed these relics into numerous stupas across his empire, symbolising spiritual energy and enlightenment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Subsequently, stupas also honoured\u00a0Buddhist arhats<\/strong>\u00a0(saints),\u00a0bodhisattvas<\/strong>\u00a0(enlightened beings), and local deities.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Over time, their construction extended beyond relics to include symbolic worship, reflecting the shift from non-iconic to iconic practices in Buddhism, particularly with the emergence of the Mahayana sect.<\/p>\r\n

      Stupas Features<\/h2>\r\n

      The stupa's basic architectural form resembles an inverted bowl. The flattened top of the dome, called the\u00a0harmika<\/strong><\/em>, symbolises the abode of the gods. At its core, the stupa contains relics stored in gold or silver caskets. A central wooden rod, or yasti, rises from the middle of the structure and is adorned with three symbolic umbrella-like discs representing\u00a0respect, veneration, and generosity.\u00a0<\/strong>The stupa\u2019s design is rich in symbolism and adheres to specific structural elements, including:<\/p>\r\n

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      • Medhi<\/strong>: The square platform at the base, often surrounded by a\u00a0vedika<\/strong><\/em>(boundary wall).<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Anda<\/strong>: The hemispherical dome that encloses a casket containing relics or symbols.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Harmika<\/strong>: A square railing atop the dome, symbolising a sacred enclosure.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Yasti<\/strong>: The central spire or mast, representing the axis\u00a0mundi\u00a0<\/em>(cosmic axis).<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Chhatras<\/strong>: A series of parasols above the\u00a0yasti<\/em>, symbolising protection and the Buddha's teachings.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Toranas<\/strong>: Ornate gateways aligned with the cardinal directions, each associated with significant events in Buddha\u2019s life:\r\n\r\n
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        • East<\/strong>: Birth of the Buddha<\/li>\r\n\t
        • South<\/strong>: Enlightenment<\/li>\r\n\t
        • West<\/strong>: First sermon<\/li>\r\n\t
        • North<\/strong>: Nirvana<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
        • The\u00a0circumambulatory path<\/strong>\u00a0(pradakshina patha<\/em>) encircling the\u00a0medhi\u00a0<\/em>allows devotees to perform ritualistic walkarounds as an act of reverence.<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Symbolism of the Stupa:\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
          \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
          Representation of Buddha<\/strong><\/td>\r\nFive Purified Elements<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
          \r\n

          - The structure of a stupa symbolises the Buddha in meditation (lion throne pose):<\/p>\r\n

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          • The\u00a0spire<\/strong>\u00a0represents the crown.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • The\u00a0square at the base of the spire<\/strong>\u00a0represents the head.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • The\u00a0hemispherical dome<\/strong>\u00a0symbolizes the body.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • The\u00a0four lower terraces<\/strong>\u00a0signify the legs.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • The\u00a0base<\/strong>\u00a0acts as the throne.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
          		\r\n

          - Each element of the stupa corresponds to a natural element:<\/p>\r\n

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          • Earth:<\/strong>\u00a0Represented by the square base.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • Water:<\/strong>\u00a0Embodied by the hemispherical dome.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • Fire:<\/strong>\u00a0Denoted by the conical spire.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • Air:<\/strong>\u00a0Symbolized by the lotus parasol and crescent moon.<\/li>\r\n\t
          • Space:<\/strong>\u00a0Represented by the sun and the dissolving point.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n
              \r\n\t
            • Relic sites:<\/strong>\u00a0Stupas were constructed over the\u00a0relics of the Buddha<\/strong>\u00a0at various locations:\r\n\r\n
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              • Rajagriha, Vaishali, Vethadipa, and Pava in Bihar.<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Kapilavastu, Allakappa, and Ramagrama in Nepal.<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Kushinagar and Pippalvina in Uttar Pradesh.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Regional styles of stupa architecture:\u00a0<\/strong>Different regions of India developed their styles over time. For example, the stupas at\u00a0Sanchi\u00a0<\/strong>are known for their elaborate carvings and reliefs.\r\n\r\n
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                • In contrast, the stupas at\u00a0Amaravati<\/strong>\u00a0are known for their intricate sculptures.<\/li>\r\n\t
                • The stupas in\u00a0Ladakh\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Tibet\u00a0<\/strong>are often built in a distinctive Tibetan style, with a white dome and colourful banners.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                  Stupas Types<\/h2>\r\n

                  Stupas serve diverse purposes based on their design, form, and function. They are broadly categorised based on the purpose they fulfil and their symbolic significance in Buddhist theology.<\/p>\r\n

                  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
                  Types of Stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Sharirika Stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\nThese stupas enclose relics or mortal remains of significant Buddhist figures, such as the Sariputra and Maudgalayana stupas at Sanchi.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Paribhogika Stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\nThese stupas house objects or utensils used by Buddhist figures during their lifetimes, preserving their legacy.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Uddeshika Stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\nPrimarily constructed for worship (puja<\/strong>) and devotional practices (aradhana<\/strong>).<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n
                  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
                  Classification Based on Form and Function<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Relic stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

                  - Built to bury bodily relics of Buddha or enlightened monks.<\/p>\r\n

                    \r\n\t
                  • Example:\u00a0Sanchi Stupa.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Object stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

                  - Contain objects used by Buddha or his disciples.<\/p>\r\n

                    \r\n\t
                  • Example:\u00a0Vaishali Stupa<\/strong>\u00a0with Buddha's ashes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Commemorative stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

                  - Mark significant events in Buddha\u2019s life.<\/p>\r\n

                    \r\n\t
                  • Example:\u00a0Anuradhapura Stupa<\/strong>, commemorates Buddha's visit.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
                  Symbolic stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

                  - Represent Buddhist theology and the path to enlightenment.<\/p>\r\n

                  - Example:\u00a0Swayambhu Stupa<\/strong>\u00a0in Kathmandu,\u00a0Leh's<\/strong>\u00a0path symbolism.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

                  Votive stupas<\/strong><\/td>\r\n- Constructed to commemorate visits or gain spiritual merit. Often left as offerings by devotees. Example:\u00a0Miniature stupas<\/strong>\u00a0at pilgrimage sites in metal, stone, or glass.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n

                  Stupa Architectural Phases<\/h2>\r\n

                  Stupa architecture evolved through distinct phases, reflecting the changing religious, cultural, and architectural trends in Buddhist history. Following ar\u0435 th\u0435 typical phas\u0435s of stupa archit\u0435ctur\u0435:<\/p>\r\n

                  Mauryan Period<\/h3>\r\n

                  During the\u00a0Mauryan period (322 BCE-185 BCE)<\/strong>, stupa architecture underwent significant development, and stupas became more elaborate and decorative. King Ashoka played a crucial role in propagating Buddhism and utilising stupa architecture to spread Buddhist teachings and imperial authority.<\/p>\r\n