Stupas, stupa-shaped reliquaries, and stupa-shaped grave marks have very strong multi-faceted symbolism, and this paper investigates three aspects of this: (1) shape and design, (2) symbols and motifs, and (3) most importantly architectural composition.

While all the components of the stupa seem now to have been discussed, there rernains one of crucial irnportance: the axial pillar running down the centre of the dome. This is hid­ den in most stupas , but it can be seen in the stupa shown in figure 9.

Apr 4, 2025 · Chaitya is the stupa at the far end if the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it; There is no material difference between the two

He tries to show that the axial pillar was called yupa (Skt) or Inda-khlla (Pali), which for him is indisputable evidence of its cosmogonic and religious significance.

One of the things which Atoka (273-232 B.C.) did in his efforts to spread Buddhism, was to open up these original ten stupas and distribute their relics in thousands of' new stupas throughout India. By doing this, the stupa was greatly popular-ised.

In Buddhism, a stupa (Sanskrit: स्तूप, lit. 'heap', IAST: stūpa) is a mound -like or hemispherical structure containing relics (such as śarīra – typically the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns) that is used as a place of meditation. [1]

The main sanctuary has a cross axial stupa in the centre of the four-īwān courtyard and two smaller votive cross-axial stupa’s in two side chambers. The smaller four-īwān courtyard had a residential function and accommodated Buddhist monks. The Buddhist monastery at

The shape of the stupa was axial, with a massive circular fence whose four entrances brought the worshiper directly to the four projections of the stupa's base on which five pillars were erected. These pillars and projections, called Ayaka-pillars and platforms, are found almost exclusively in Andhran stupa architecture like in the case of the ...

On all 4 sides of the relic chamber, considered the most sacred and important part of the chedi, are standing Buddha images housed in the niches. Above the relic house are 2 tiers of diminutive axial stupa towers above which stands the principal chedi unit serving as a spire or roof tower.

Two recent excavations conducted at Kesariya and Giryek in eastern India have revealed a paradigm shift in the concept of stupa architecture and planning. The multi-terraced brick stupa at Kesariya has a large number of cell shrines containing stucco images of …