3.1 Stupas and Their Symbolic Significance

Stupas are ancient Buddhist structures with deep symbolic meaning. These dome-shaped monuments house sacred relics and represent Buddha's enlightenment. Their design evolved from simple mounds to elaborate structures with multiple components, each carrying spiritual significance.

Stupas played a crucial role in early Buddhist art and architecture. They served as focal points for devotion, pilgrimage sites, and centers for religious festivals. The stupa's form and decorations conveyed Buddhist teachings and provided a physical connection to the Buddha's presence.

Stupa Architecture

Early Stupa Design and Components

Top images from around the web for Early Stupa Design and Components

• 

  Stupa no. 3, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Buddhist Art | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Stupa no. 3, Sanchi.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Stupa no. 3, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Buddhist Art | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Early Stupa Design and Components

• 

  Stupa no. 3, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Buddhist Art | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Stupa no. 3, Sanchi.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Stupa no. 3, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Buddhist Art | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Early Buddhist stupas were typically hemispherical mounds built on a circular base, housing a central chamber containing relics of the Buddha or important monks
• The main architectural components of early stupas include:
  • Anda: The hemispherical dome
  • Harmika: Square railing on top of the anda
  • Yasti: Central pillar
  • Chatras: Stone umbrellas
  • Vedika: Circular fence surrounding the stupa
• Stupas were often built on a raised platform accessed by stairs, with a circumambulatory path (pradakshina path) around the base for devotees to perform ritual circumambulation

Later Additions and Construction Materials

• Gateways (toranas) were later added to the cardinal directions, serving as ceremonial entrances to the stupa complex
• Early stupas were constructed using various materials:
  • Stone
  • Brick
  • Wood
• The exterior of early stupas was often decorated with relief carvings depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist symbols

Symbolic Meaning of Stupas

Representation of Buddha's Enlightenment and Transcendence

• The hemispherical shape of the anda represents the Buddha's enlightenment and the concept of emptiness (shunyata), signifying the ultimate reality beyond form and substance
• The harmika and yasti symbolize the axis mundi, connecting the earth to the heavens and representing the Buddha's transcendence of the material world
• The chatras, or stone umbrellas, represent the Buddha's spiritual authority and the various stages of enlightenment

Symbolism of the Wheel of Dharma and Four Noble Truths

• The circular base and circumambulatory path symbolize the wheel of dharma (dharmachakra) and the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara)
• The four gateways aligned with the cardinal directions represent the Four Noble Truths and the Buddha's teachings spreading in all directions

Stupas as Sacred Spaces

Focal Points for Devotional Practices and Rituals

• Stupas serve as the focal point for Buddhist devotional practices, such as offering prayers, flowers, and incense to the Buddha and his relics
• Circumambulation (pradakshina) of the stupa is a common ritual practice, allowing devotees to accumulate merit and express reverence for the Buddha's teachings
• Stupas are believed to contain the presence of the Buddha and his spiritual energy, making them powerful sites for meditation and spiritual contemplation

Pilgrimage Sites and Centers for Buddhist Festivals

• Many stupas, such as the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, became important pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees from across the Buddhist world
• Stupas also serve as centers for Buddhist festivals and ceremonies, where the monastic community and lay devotees gather to celebrate important events in the Buddhist calendar

Evolution of Stupa Architecture

Mauryan and Sunga Periods

• The earliest known stupas, such as those at Sanchi and Bharhut, date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and exhibit a simple hemispherical design with minimal decoration
• During the Sunga period (2nd-1st century BCE), stupas underwent architectural innovations, including the addition of stone railings (vedika) and ornate gateways (toranas) adorned with intricate relief carvings

Satavahana and Kushana Periods

• The Satavahana period (1st century BCE-2nd century CE) saw the development of rock-cut cave stupas, such as those at Karla and Bhaja, which incorporated stupas into the interior of rock-cut prayer halls (chaityas)
• In the Kushana period (1st-3rd century CE), stupas became larger and more elaborate, with the introduction of multiple levels, terraces, and subsidiary stupas, as seen at the Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila

Gupta Period and Later Developments

• The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) witnessed the emergence of the cruciform plan, with stupas like the Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath featuring a square base and projecting niches on each side
• Later developments in stupa architecture included:
  • Incorporation of Buddha images
  • Evolution of the pagoda style in East Asia
  • Integration of stupas into larger monastic complexes and temple structures