Wat Mangkon Kamalawat ( Thai : วัดมังกรกมลาวาส , pronounced [wát māŋkɔ̄ːn kāmālāːwâːt] ), previously (and still commonly) known as Wat Leng Noei Yi ( Thai : วัดเล่งเน่ยยี่ , pronounced [wát lêŋ nɤ̂j jîː] ; simplified Chinese : 龙莲寺 ; traditional Chinese : 龍蓮寺 ; pinyin : Lónglián Sì ), is the largest and most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok , Thailand . It hosts celebrations of a number of year-round events, including Chinese New Year , and the annual Chinese vegetarian festival .
64-459: It is located in the district of Pom Prap Sattru Phai in the city's Chinatown , in a courtyard off Charoen Krung Road , accessed by an alleyway. It is served by Wat Mangkon MRT station located in front of the temple. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat was founded as a Mahayana Buddhist temple in 1871 or 1872 (sources differ), by Phra Archan Chin Wang Samathiwat (also known as Sok Heng), initially with
128-516: A coping —became a feature of safety surrounding a stupa. The Buddha had left instructions about how to pay homage to the stupas: "And whoever lays wreaths or puts sweet perfumes and colours there with a devout heart, will reap benefits for a long time". This practice would lead to the decoration of the stupas with stone sculptures of flower garlands in the Classical period. According to Buddhist tradition, Emperor Ashoka (rule: 273–232 BCE) recovered
192-430: A Department of Public Works first. Mahat Thai Uthit Bridge (สะพานมหาดไทยอุทิศ) is the historic bridge over Khlong Maha Nak (คลองมหานาค) near Phan Fa Lilat Bridge and Mahakan Fort with Wat Saket, it was built as a memorial to the demise of King Rama V. The figures of the outstanding people weeping was adorned on the both sides. Hence the name Saphan Rong Hai (สะพานร้องไห้, lit. lamenting bridge ) informally. It also
256-530: A certain area is decided together with the teacher assisting in the construction. Sometimes the type chosen is directly connected with events that have taken place in the area. All stupas contain a treasury filled with various objects. Small clay votive offerings called tsatsa s in Tibetan fill most of the treasury. The creation of the tsatsa s is itself a ceremony. Mantras written on paper are made into thin rolls and put into small clay stupas. One layer of tsatsa s
320-697: A deep and wide rock-cut chamber, surrounded on the ground by a massive circular mud-brick structure made in two tiers, and filled in and topped with earth to form a domical shape. There is also evidence of plastering on the exterior of Tumulus-1, bearing a 10- mm-thick plaster of pinkish-white clay over brick masonry. These forms of hemispherical monuments or tumulus of brick-masonry with similar layouts may have been inspirations for later stupas. Some stupas not believed to have been looted have been found empty when excavated, as have some pre-historic cairn sites, and animal bones are suspected to have occasionally been deposited at both types of sites. Religious buildings in
384-508: A fusion of Thai and Chinese style, and is fronted by an altar at which religious rites are performed. The main entrance to the viharn (sermon hall) is flanked by large statues of the four guardians of the world, the Chatulokkaban , clothed in warrior costumes, two on each side. Around the temple there are shrines dedicated to a variety of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian deities and religious figures, all important in local Chinese beliefs. At
448-504: A number of early Buddhist stupas or burials are found in the vicinity of much older, pre-historic burials, including megalithic burial sites. This includes sites associated with the Indus Valley Civilization , where broken Indus-era pottery was incorporated into later Buddhist burials. Scholars have noted structural and functional features of the stupa (including its general mound shape and the practice of surrounding stupas with
512-467: A rich family, having a beautiful body, a nice voice, bringing joy to others, and having a long and happy life in which one's wishes are quickly fulfilled. On the absolute level, one will also be able to quickly reach enlightenment , the goal of Buddhism. Destroying a stupa, on the other hand, is considered an extremely negative deed, similar to murder. Such an action is said to create massive negative karmic imprints, leading to serious future problems. It
576-456: A seated position, called caitya . In early Buddhist inscriptions in India, stupa and caitya appear to be almost interchangeable, though caitya has a broader meaning, and unlike stupa does not define an architectural form . In pre-Buddhist India, caitya was a term for a shrine, sanctuary, or holy place in the landscape, generally outdoors, inhabited by, or sacred to, a particular deity. In
640-564: A set, placed in a row. The Tibetan set differs slightly (by two events) from the Indian set of Eight Great Events in the Life of Buddha . Also known as "Stupa of Heaped Lotuses", or "Birth of the Sugata Stupa", this stupa refers to the birth of Gautama Buddha. "At birth Buddha took seven steps in each of the four directions" (east, south, west, and north). In each direction, lotuses sprang up, symbolizing
704-648: A station in Wat Mangkon which is in Samphanthawong district directly across the Charoen Krung Road from Pom Prap Sattru Phai. MRT Orange Line will also have station Lan Luang here. Three Thai government ministries, The Ministry of Transport , the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security , and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have head offices in the district. Thai Airways International operates
SECTION 10
#1732848663459768-550: A stone, relic chamber, or wooden railing) with both pre- Mauryan-era cairn and pre-historic megalithic "round mound" burials with chambers found in India, which likely represent a "proto-stupa". In Dholavira , an archeological site associated with the Indus Valley Civilization, there are several large and high "hemispherical monuments" of tumulus with brick-masonry found with burial chambers inside. Among them, Tumulus-1 and Tumulus-2 mounds were excavated. They consist of
832-642: A stupa was, had demonstrated the basic design: he folded his robe on the ground, placed his begging bowl upside down on it, with his staff above that. The relics of the Buddha were spread between eight stupas, in Rajagriha , Vaishali , Kapilavastu , Allakappa , Ramagrama , Pava , Kushinagar , and Vethapida . Lars Fogelin has stated that the Relic Stupa of Vaishali is likely the earliest archaeologically known stupa. Guard rails —consisting of posts, crossbars, and
896-581: A well-preserved stupa at Shingardar near Ghalegay ; another stupa is located near Barikot and Dharmarajika-Taxila in Pakistan. In Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura includes some of the tallest, most ancient, and best-preserved stupas in the world, such as Ruwanwelisaya . The most elaborate stupa is the 8th-century Borobudur monument in Java, Indonesia. The upper rounded terrace, with rows of bell-shaped stupas, contain Buddha images symbolizing Arūpajhāna ,
960-455: A whole range of sizes, which typically had much taller drums, relative to the height of the dome. Small votive stupas paid for by pilgrims might be less than a metre high, and laid out in rows by the hundred, as at Ratnagiri, Odisha , India. The principal design of the stupa may have been influenced by the shikharas seen on Hindu temples . As Buddhism spread across Asia , stupas were stylistically altered into other structural forms used for
1024-690: A wider cultural tradition from the Mediterranean to the Ganges Valley and can be related to the conical mounds on circular bases from the 8th century BCE that are found in Phrygia (tomb of Midas , 8th c. BCE), Lydia (tomb of Alyattes , 6th c. BCE), or in Phoenicia (tombs of Amrit , 5th c. BCE). Some authors suggest stupas emerged from megalithic mound burials with chambers, which likely represent proto-stupas. Archaeologists in India have observed that
1088-529: A woman living with a python . Besides the usual road transportation, a boat service runs along Khlong Maha Nak and Khlong Saen Saep . The route begins at the stop near the Golden Mount and ends at Pratu Nam in Pathum Wan / Ratchathewi , there passengers can change boat to further destinations. The district is currently served by one subway line, and will be by a second in the future. The MRT Blue Line has
1152-664: Is four-way intersection of Charoen Krung and Worachak with Chakkrawat Roads overlaps Samphanthawong District, regarded as the first junction of Charoen Krung Road, counted from the Damrong Sathit Bridge , or familiarly known as Saphan Lek . On the corner of the intersection is the location of two striking historic Sino-Portuguese buildings, S.A.B. Building is now a head office of Sing Sian Yer Pao , Thailand's best selling Chinese newspaper and Siam Commercial Bank, Chaloem Nakhon Branch. Berlin Pharmaceutical Museum
1216-558: Is a Thailand's oldest land market and historic neighbourhood. Suea Pa (เสือป่า) is a centre of wholesale and retail for mobile phone accessories, IT and electric equipments. Although traditional Thai temple fairs (งานวัด) are not commonly seen nowadays, one is held every year at the Golden Mount about the time of Loy Krathong . Ferris wheels , shooting galleries, Sao Noi Tok Nam (สาวน้อยตกน้ำ, literally little lady falling into water ) are common activities. There are also freak shows such as Mia Ngu (เมียงู, lit. snake's wife ) with
1280-654: Is a major low-cost fabric mart. It is on a section of Krung Kasem Road between Lan Luang Road and Bamrung Mueang Road on the northeast border of the district. The area is currently under renovation by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the market is closed. Khlong Thom (คลองถม) is an electrical and electronics marketplace. It was once a night market where vendor stalls extended onto pavements and alleys. Goods, including second hand, or sometimes stolen, were available from Saturday night to Sunday morning. The night market has now been closed as part of pavement cleanup campaign since March 2015. Nang Loeng (นางเลิ้ง)
1344-565: Is a remarkable historic building located on the corner of Maen Si Intersection near Wat Saket. 22 July Circle is the traffic circle where Maitri Chit intersects Santiphap and Mittraphan Roads. It was built to commemorate the time that Siam (now Thailand) announced its participation in the First World War according to the royal intention of King Rama VI. Nowadays, it is known as a centre for billboard and tires shops, include an area of Bangkok's sex industry too. S.A.B. Intersection
SECTION 20
#17328486634591408-606: Is an alternative leading boxing arena to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium . Varadis Palace is the former residence of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab . Built in 1911 by the German architect Karl Dohring, it is in a large garden. After restoration in 1996, it houses the Prince Damrong Rachanupab Museum and Library. King Prajadhipok Museum is the museum exhibitions relating to royal life of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), located near Phan Fa Lilat Bridge . Its building used to be
1472-616: Is an outstanding Colonial building and former office of Dr. Chai Chainuvati, a physician who was an owner, located on the corner of Suea Pa Intersection . In 1932, he opened a clinic and dispensary here to treat general poor patients in Charoen Krung and Yaowarat neighbourhoods. Currently, it has become a three-story medicine museum and neat café run by his heir. Soi Nana , a small alley near 22 July Circle, it has been renovated from old-fashioned shophouses to chic cafés to appeal to young people and hipsters. Bobae Market (ตลาดโบ๊เบ๊)
1536-657: Is crowned by the shape of a hemispherical stupa topped by finials , forming a logical elongation of the stepped Gandharan stupas such as those seen in Jaulian . Although the current structure of the Mahabdhodi Temple dates to the Gupta period (5th century CE), the "Plaque of Mahabhodi Temple", discovered in Kumrahar and dated to 150–200 CE, based on its dated Kharoshthi inscriptions and combined finds of Huvishka coins, suggests that
1600-550: Is home to several other shrines, including a furnace for the ritual burning of paper money and other offerings to the devotees' ancestors. The temple is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Admission to this temple is free. 13°44′37″N 100°30′35″E / 13.74361°N 100.50972°E / 13.74361; 100.50972 Pom Prap Sattru Phai Pom Prap Sattru Phai ( Thai : ป้อมปราบศัตรูพ่าย , pronounced [pɔ̂m pràːp sàt.trūː pʰâːj] , or popularly just called Pom Prap , pronounced [pɔ̂m pràːp] )
1664-547: Is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok , Thailand . Neighbouring districts are (from north clockwise) Dusit , Pathum Wan , Bang Rak , Samphanthawong , and Phra Nakhon . With more than 24,000 inhabitants per square kilometre (more than 62,000 per square mile) it is the district with the highest population density in Thailand. Pom Prap Sattru Phai was established in 1915 when the districts of Bangkok were overhauled and replaced by 25 amphoes (districts). Later, two of
1728-538: Is placed in the treasury, and the empty space between them is filled with dry sand. On the thus-created new surface, another layer of tsatsa s is made, and so on, until the entire space of the treasury is full. The number of tsatsa s required to completely fill the treasury depends on its size and the size of the tsats a. For example, the Kalachakra stupa in southern Spain contains approximately 14,000 tsatsa s. Jewellery and other "precious" objects are also placed in
1792-586: Is positioned during a ceremony or initiation, where the participants hold colorful ribbons connected to the Tree of Life. Together, the participants make their most positive and powerful wishes, which are stored in the Tree of Life. In this way, the stupa is charged and starts to function. Building a stupa is considered extremely beneficial, leaving very positive karmic imprints in the mind. Future benefits from this action are said to result in fortunate rebirths. Fortunate worldly benefits also result, such as being born into
1856-519: Is probably the best known place in Pom Prap Sattru Phai. Its height is 63.6 m, making it easily seen from surrounding area. The chedi on the top is accessible via stairs circling up around the mount. The construction of Golden Mount began during King Rama III 's reign but suffered from foundation stability problem. It was finished during the reign of King Rama V . Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (วัดมังกรกมลาวาส) or Wat Leng Noei Yi (วัดเล่งเน่ยยี่)
1920-700: Is said this action leaves the mind in a state of paranoia after death has occurred, leading to unfortunate rebirths. Stupas in Tibet and Tibetan-influenced regions of the Himalayas , such as Bhutan , are usually called "chorten" in English, reflecting the term in the Tibetan language . There are eight different shapes of chortens in Tibetan Buddhism , each referring to a major event in the Buddha's life. Chortens are often made as
1984-593: Is the most famous Mahayana temple in Bangkok's Chinatown . It is crowded on special days such as Chinese New Year and Chinese Vegetarian Food Festival (in the 9th lunar month). The temple holds an annual The Krajat (เทกระจาด) to donate food and consumer goods to the poor in the 7th lunar month (a part of Ghost Festival ). Tai Hong Kong Shrine (ศาลเจ้าไต้ฮงกง) is a Chinese shrine built to honor Tai Hong (1582-1670). Living in Guangdong , he helped people by giving food to
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat - Misplaced Pages Continue
2048-581: The Mahāyāna Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra , near the end of his life, the Buddha remarks to Ananda how beautiful are the various caitya around Vaishali . In later times and in other countries, cetiya /caitya implies the presence of important relics. Both words have forms prefixed by maha for "great", "large", or "important", but scholars find the difference between a mahastupa and a stupa , or mahacetiya and cetiya , hard to pin down. Some authors have suggested that stupas were derived from
2112-442: The sangha . A stupa in this design was built in the kingdom of Magadha , where the reconciliation occurred. It has four octagonal steps with equal sides. This stupa commemorates Buddha's successful prolonging of his life by three months. It has only three steps, which are circular and unadorned. This stupa refers to the parinirvana , or death of the Buddha, when he was 80 years old. It symbolizes his complete absorption into
2176-600: The Pali word for stupa, thupa , with the Sanskrit pronunciation being stupa . In particular the type of the tower-like stupa, the last stage of Gandharan stupa development, visible in the second Kanishka Stupa (4th century), is thought to be the precursor of the tower stupas in Turkestan and the Chinese pagodas such as Songyue Pagoda (523 CE). The earliest archaeological evidence for
2240-582: The Twelve Nidānas . At 42 years of age, Buddha spent a summer retreat in the Tuṣita Heaven , where his mother had taken rebirth. In order to repay her kindness, he taught the dharma to her rebirth. Local inhabitants built a stupa in Sankassa in order to commemorate this event. This type of stupa is characterized by having a central projection at each side, containing a triple ladder, or steps. Also known as
2304-456: The brahmaviharas : love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. The base of this stupa is circular and has four steps, and it is decorated with lotus-petal designs. Occasionally, seven heaped lotus steps are constructed. These refer to the seven first steps of the Buddha. Also known as the "Stupa of the Conquest of Mara ", this stupa symbolizes the 35-year-old Buddha's attainment of enlightenment under
2368-505: The "Stupa of Conquest of the Tirthikas ", this stupa refers to various miracles performed by the Buddha when he was 50 years old. Legend claims that he overpowered maras and heretics by engaging them in intellectual arguments and also by performing miracles. This stupa was raised by the Lichavi kingdom to commemorate the event. This stupa commemorates the Buddha's resolution of a dispute among
2432-638: The Larn Luang Office in Pom Prap Sattru Phai. The office used to be the head office of Thai Airways Company . Stupa 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 . Circumambulation , or pradakhshina , has been an important ritual and devotional practice in Buddhism since
2496-492: The area of Gandhara. Since Buddhism spread to Central Asia , China, and ultimately Korea and Japan through Gandhara, the stylistic evolution of the Gandharan stupa was very influential in the later development of the stupa (and related artistic or architectural forms ) in these areas. The Gandhara stupa followed several steps, generally moving towards more and more elevation and addition of decorative elements, leading eventually to
2560-459: The beginning of Paribatra, a road in form of soi (alley) that cuts through the west of the district and connecting Ratchadamnoen Avenue with Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's Chinatown area. Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Office , also known as Waterworks Authority Maen Si is the first head office of Metropolitan Waterworks Authority in Thailand built since the reign of King Rama VI. To date it
2624-444: The bell-shaped stupas at Borobudur is located at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery , near Hemel Hempstead , in the UK. Built for a variety of reasons, Buddhist stupas are classified, based on form and function, into five types: "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
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat - Misplaced Pages Continue
2688-655: The bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya , where he conquered worldly temptations and attacks, manifesting in the form of Mara. This stupa is also known as the "Stupa of Many Gates". After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha taught his first students in a deer park near Sarnath . The series of doors on each side of the steps represents the first teachings: the Four Noble Truths , the Six Pāramitās , the Noble Eightfold Path , and
2752-523: The development of the pagoda tower. The main stupa types are, in chronological order: It is thought that the temple in the shape of a truncated pyramid may have derived from the design of the stepped stupas that developed in Gandhara. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is one such example, formed of a succession of steps with niches containing Buddha images, alternating with Greco-Roman pillars. The structure
2816-437: The earliest times, and stupas always have a pradakhshina path around them. The original South Asian form is a large solid dome above a tholobate , or drum, with vertical sides, which usually sits on a square base. There is no access to the inside of the structure. In large stupas, there may be walkways for circumambulation on top of the base as well as on the ground below it. Large stupas have, or had, vedikā railings outside
2880-547: The elevation of the toranas (1st century BCE/CE), and then Amaravati (1st–2nd century CE). The decorative embellishment of stupas also underwent considerable development in the northwest, in the area of Gandhara , with instances such as the Butkara Stupa ("monumentalized" with Hellenistic decorative elements from the 2nd century BCE) or the Loriyan Tangai stupas (2nd century CE). The stupa underwent major evolutions in
2944-496: The form of the Buddhist stupa, a dome-shaped structure, started to be used in India as commemorative monuments associated with storing sacred relics of the Buddha. After his parinirvana , Buddha's remains were cremated and the ashes divided and buried under eight mounds, with two further mounds encasing the urn and the embers. According to some early Buddhist sources, the Buddha himself had suggested this treatment, and when asked what
3008-506: The largest Buddhist monument in the world. It is also the world's largest Buddhist temple as well as one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world. A Jain stupa was excavated at Mathura in the 19th century. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, is one of the largest stupas in the world. The Benalmádena Stupa is the tallest stupa in Europe. It is 33 m (108 ft) high and
3072-427: The name Wat Leng Noei Yi . It was later given its current name, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat , meaning "Dragon Lotus Temple", by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The temple is built in a classic Chinese architectural style , with typical sweeping tiled roofs decorated with animal and floral motifs, including the ubiquitous Chinese dragons. The ubosot (ordination hall) houses the temple's main, gold colored, Buddha image in
3136-532: The original 25, Sam Yot and Nang Loeng, were merged into Pom Prap Sattru Phai. The district was named after a fort ( pom in Thai) south of present Nang Loeng Market . The fort was one of the eight new forts built along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem during King Rama IV 's reign. Its name literally means 'suppression of enemy fort'. The district is divided into five sub-districts ( khwaeng ). The Golden Mount (ภูเขาทอง or พระบรมบรรพต) inside Wat Saket (วัดสระเกศ)
3200-518: The pagoda in East Asia. The pagoda has varied forms that also include bell-shaped and pyramidal styles. In the Western context, there is no clear distinction between a stupa and a pagoda. In general, however, "stupa" is the term used for a Buddhist structure in India or Southeast Asia, while "pagoda" refers to a building in East Asia that can be entered and that may be used for secular purposes. However, use of
3264-536: The path around the base, often highly decorated with sculpture, especially at the torana gateways, of which there are usually four. At the top of the dome is a thin vertical element, with one or more horizontal discs spreading from it. These were chatra s , symbolic umbrellas, and have not survived, if not restored. The Great Stupa at Sanchi , Madhya Pradesh, is the most famous and best-preserved early stupa in India. Apart from very large stupas, designed to attract pilgrims, there were large numbers of smaller stupas in
SECTION 50
#17328486634593328-717: The poor, treatment to the ill, and funerals for the dead who had no family. A group of merchants emigrated to Bangkok from China following the same path. With a donation from King Rama VI , the shrine was established. In 1937 the Poh Teck Tung Foundation was formed for rescue and charity work. It is opposite the shrine on Phlapphla Chai Road . Other prominent temples in the district include Wat Thepsirin (also written Wat Depsirin) and Wat Phlapphla Chai with Wat Sommanat Wihan as well as Wat Khanikaphon . Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium (also spelled "Rajadamnern") holds traditional Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches and
3392-507: The presence of Buddhist stupas dates to the late 4th century BCE. Some of the oldest known examples of stupas are found in Vaishali, Kushinagar, Piprahwa, Ramgram, Sanchi, Sarnath , Amaravati, and Bharhut. With the top of its spire reaching 120.45 m (395.2 ft) in height, Phra Pathommachedi in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand is the tallest extant stupa in the world. The Swat Valley hosts
3456-415: The pyramidal structure already existed in the 2nd century CE. This is confirmed by archaeological excavations in Bodh Gaya. This truncated pyramid design also marked the evolution from the aniconic stupa dedicated to the cult of relics, to the iconic temple with multiple images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This design was influential in the development of later Hindu temples . Stupa architecture
3520-402: The rear of the temple stand three pavilions, one dedicated to the Chinese goddess (or bodhisattva ) of compassion, Guan Yin , one to the temple's founder, Phra Archan Chin Wang Samathiwat, and one to the saint Lak Chao. Near the rear is also to be found a gallery containing cases of gilded Buddha images in the double Abhaya Mudra position. The courtyard in front of the main temple buildings
3584-608: The relics of the Buddha from the earlier stupas (except from the Ramagrama stupa ), and erected 84,000 stupas to distribute the relics across India. In effect, many stupas are thought to date originally from the time of Ashoka, such as Sanchi or Kesariya , where he also erected pillars with his inscriptions, and possibly Bharhut , Amaravati , or Dharmarajika . Ashoka also established the Pillars of Ashoka throughout his realm, generally next to Buddhist stupas. The first known appearance of
3648-399: The same purposes, like the pagodas of East Asian Buddhism or the chortens of Tibetan Buddhism . In Southeast Asia , various different elongated shapes of dome evolved, leading to high, thin spires . A related architectural term is a chaitya , which is a prayer hall or temple containing a stupa. Stupas may have originated as pre-Buddhist tumuli in which śramaṇas were buried in
3712-415: The sphere of formlessness. The main stupa itself is empty, symbolizing complete perfection of enlightenment. The main stupa is the crown part of the monument, while the base is a pyramidal structure elaborated with galleries adorned with bas-relief scenes derived from Buddhist texts and depicting the life of Gautama Buddha . Borobudur's unique and significant architecture has been acknowledged by UNESCO as
3776-408: 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." Although not described in any Tibetan text on stupa symbolism, the stupa may represent the five purified elements, according to Buddhism: To build a stupa, Dharma transmission and ceremonies known to a Buddhist teacher are necessary. The type of stupa to be constructed in
3840-875: The term varies by region. For example, stupas in Burma tend to be referred to as "pagodas". Stupas were built in Sri Lanka soon after Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura converted to Buddhism. The first was the Thuparamaya . Later, many more were built over the years, including the Jetavanaramaya in Anuradhapura. The Asian words for pagoda ( tā in Chinese, t'ap in Korean, tháp in Vietnamese, tō in Japanese) are all thought to derive from
3904-401: The treasury. It is not necessary that they be expensive, since it is the symbolic value that is important, not the market price. It is believed that the more objects are placed in the stupa, the stronger its energy. An important element in every stupa is the " Tree of Life ". This is a wooden pole covered with gems and thousands of mantras; it is placed in the central channel of the stupa. It
SECTION 60
#17328486634593968-566: The word "stupa" is from an inscribed dedication by Ashoka on the Nigali Sagar pillar (spelled in Pali in the Brahmi script as 𑀣𑀼𑀩𑁂 thube ). Stupas were soon to be richly decorated with sculptural reliefs, following the first attempts at Sanchi Stupa No.2 (125 BCE). Full-fledged sculptural decorations and scenes of the life of the Buddha would soon follow at Bharhut (115 BCE), Bodh Gaya (60 BCE), Mathura (125–60 BCE), again at Sanchi for
4032-451: Was adopted in Southeast and East Asia , where it became prominent as a Buddhist monument used for enshrining sacred relics. The Indian gateway arches, torana , reached East Asia with the spread of Buddhism. Some scholars hold that torii derives from the torana gates at the Buddhist historic site of Sanchi (3rd century BCE–11th century CE). In Tibet , the stupa became the chorten, and
4096-493: Was inaugurated on 5 October 2003, the final project of Buddhist master Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche . Lopon Tsechu built his first stupa at Karma Guen near Málaga, in 1994, a symbol of peace and prosperity for Spain. He went on to build 16 more stupas in Europe before his death in 2003. A stupa was built on the ground of the Kalachakra Kalapa Centre in southwest Styria , Austria, between 2000 and 2002. A stupa based on
#458541