Unit 9 Thai Arts
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the
ashes of Buddhist monks, used by Buddhists as a place of meditation.
Stupas were built in Sri Lanka soon after King Devanampiyatissa converted to Buddhism, the first
stupa to be built was the Thuparamaya. Later on Sri Lanka went on to build many stupas over the
years, some like the Jetavanarama in Anuradhapura being one of the tallest ancient structures in the
world.
Types of stupas
Built for a variety of reasons, Buddhist stupas are classified based on form and function into five
types:
Relic stupa, in which the relics or remains of the Buddha, his disciples and lay saints are
interred.
Object stupa, in which the items interred are objects belonged to the Buddha or his disciples
such as a begging bowl or robe, or important Buddhist scriptures.
Commemorative stupa, built to commemorate events in the lives of Buddha or his disciples.
Symbolic stupa, to symbolise aspects of Buddhist theology, for example, Borobuddur is
considered to be the symbol of "the Three Worlds (dhatu) and the spiritual stages (bhumi) in a
Mahayana bodhisattva's character."
Votive stupa, constructed to commemorate visits or to gain spiritual benefits, usually at the site
of prominent stupas which are regularly visited.
Symbolism
"The shape of the stupa represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a
lion throne. His crown is the top of the spire; his head is the square at the spire's base; his body is the
vase shape; his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace; and the base is his throne.