When I was in Myanmar many years back, I was mesmerized by the thousands of pagodas in Bagan, the glorious capital of the First Myanmar Empire. You can make a 360 degree turn and you will still see a pagoda. Over 3000 pagodas dotted the 42 square kilometer area and it is no wonder that Bagan is considered one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Today however, I think those three thousands pagodas there are actually stupas. A pagoda usually refers to the tiered tower with multiple eaves common in the Far East. The ancient structures in Bagan however, resemble the pagodas in Thailand and those are actually stupas. Stupas could be divided into four types: those built over the relics of the Buddha, those containing an object used by Buddha, those commemorating an important in religious history and those built as an act of devotion.The stupas commemorating an event in religious history could be further divided into eight types: Stupa of Enlightenment, Stupa of many auspicious doors, Stupa of victory over Mara, Stupa evoking the lotus heap, Stupa reminding devotees of the miracles gratifying gods and men, Stupa commemorating Lord Buddha's descent from Tushita, Stupa marking the victory over all misadventures and Stupa commemorating the appeasement of existence and nirvana.
A Pagoda in Suzhou, China...
A Pagoda in Chiengmai , Thailand...
Pagodas in Bagan, Myammar...
Can you identify the types of these stupas from India?
A Pagoda in Suzhou, China...
A Pagoda in Chiengmai , Thailand...
Pagodas in Bagan, Myammar...
Can you identify the types of these stupas from India?
Comments
I always thought a stupa was originally built to cover relics of the Buddha.
Though most likely found in Asia they are increasingly found in the Western World.
Other names of the stupa are chedi, dagoba or tope.