A stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics, such as the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns, that is used as a place of meditation. Originally, stupas were traditional burial mounds for everyday people in ancient India, but after Buddhas death, they became associated with his body. The earliest stupas contained portions of the Buddha's ashes, and adding the Buddha's ashes to the mound of dirt activated it with the energy of the Buddha himself. Today, stupas are semispherical monuments that house cremated remains or belongings of Buddha or Buddhist monks or nuns.
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.
- Commemorative stupa, built to commemorate events in the lives of Buddha or his disciples.
- Symbolic stupa, to symbolize aspects of Buddhist theology, for example, Borobudur 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.
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. The practitioner does not enter the stupa, it is a solid object. Instead, the practitioner circumambulates (walks around) it as a meditational practice focusing on the Buddha's teachings.
