A stupa is a dome-like structure built to house and venerate the relics of prominent Buddhist monks and nuns. It is one of the characteristic features of Buddhist architecture and has great historical and symbolic importance. Although the form and function of the stupas used to be the same in ancient times, as Buddhism proliferated to different parts of the world, the socio-cultural elements of different regions impacted its style of development. A stupa in Europe, for example, would be very different from a stupa in Tibet or India. The time of construction is also an important deciding factor in their classification.
As a result, stupas, as we know today, can be classified into various types based on their structural elements and purpose. Primary, the stupas can be classified into five types on the basis of their functions:
Relic Stupa
The primary function of the stupas was to house the remains of Buddha. This practice gradually extended to entombing the remains of Buddha’s disciples and lay saints who contributed to the spread of Buddhism outside the monasteries. Yet, in general, the primary function of the relic stupas is to inter the relics and remains of prominent Buddhists, to be venerated by the subsequent generations.
- Object Stupa
Similar to the relic stupas, object stupas are used to inter the objects that once belonged to or were used by Buddha and his disciples. These included a variety of items ranging from significant Buddhist structures to ordinary items such as robes and begging bowls.
Commemorative Stupa
As implied by its name, these stupas were constructed to commemorate the major events and incidents in the lives of Buddha and his disciples.
- Symbolic Stupa
Symbolic stupas possess great historical importance as the symbolic elements engraved on these stupas led to the propagation of Buddhism during the ancient times while immortalising the teachings of Buddha through images of Buddhist theology. The character of Mahayana Bodhisattva, for example, is symbolised in the unique construction of the Borobudur monument.
Votive Stupa
These stupas were constructed at the sites of other prominent stupas. Since these stupas were frequented by masses a lot, the primary function of the Votive stupas was to commemorate these visits while attaining spiritual benefits.
To assist in the construction of a stupa, a Buddhist teacher is usually present at the site of construction and the type of stupa to be constructed depends on their guidance, especially since the meditation, Dharma transmission, and other Buddhist ceremonies shall be performed by them.
