What is Chorten or Stupa? Posted Date: May 22, 2019

There are chortens in most villages and on mountain passes in the regions of Buddhist influence. A special type of chorten is kani, which is an arch-like monument erected on the trail. A large chorten is called a stupa; there are stupas at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath in Kathmandu valley Nepal.

What is the meaning of Chorten or Stupa?

A chorten is a receptacle for offerings, and the most chortens do have religious relic or the ashes of Lamas inside them. Each of the elements of chorten has a symbolic meaning. The square or rectangular base symbolizes the solid earth. On the base is a hemispherical dome, symbolizes water. On the top of the dome is a rectangular tower, the four sides of which are painted with a pair of eyes, the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. What appears to be once is actually the Sanskrit character for the number one, symbolizes the absoluteness of Buddha. Above the rectangular tower is a conical or pyramidal spire (symbolizing fire) with 13 steps is an ornament shaped like a crescent moon, symbolizing air, and a vertical spike, which symbolizes either or the sacred light of Buddha.