Ven.

Punnavamsa 1

Explain the Origin and Evolution of the Buddhist Stupa

As to the first phase, to explain the origin and evolution of the Buddhist Stupa where
is the archeological and homological stand point in Buddhism that the Stupa is truly the Lord
Buddha appearance or the image of the Lord Buddha, or rather the epiphany, of the Buddha,
of his Law that rules the universe, and is moreover a psycho-cosmogram. Then the form,
suggested by the apparent aspect of the vault of the sky, implies in its turn the total presence
and intangibility of the Buddha, who in this way is seen not as a human teacher but as the
essence of the Universe.
The Stupa (India), Dagoba (Sri Lanka) and Cetiya (Burmese or Myanmar) have an
ancient and detailed history, and within the confines of this monograph it has been my
attempt to provide as much information with regard to their structure and symbolism as
possible. By detailing specific examples from chosen categories, I have ventured to typify the
Stupa in terms of architectural style and symbolism to give the studies of many students an
introduction to the structure that is the most quintessential object of Buddhist adoration and
worship.
The study of the Stupa may be approached from three tangents, namely, its historical,
stylistic and regional development. The historical development of the Stupa can be roughly
divided into two phases as follow:
1. Hinayana or Theravada,
2. Mahayana,
The Hinayana or Theravada (c. 400 B.C- 250 A.D.) was the 'doctrine of the elders',
and Mahayana or later phase (c. 251- 700 A.D.), 'the great vehicle' of Buddhism. The latter
phase witnessed a shift from iconic to aniconic imagery of the Buddha, but the Stupa
architecture itself remained distinct from all previous monuments and future architecture. In
terms of construction, the Stupa is found in two major forms. First, the free standing or 'builtup', and second the rock-cut or excavated. Stupas, variegated in size, shape and adornment,
are located mainly in India, Tibet, Nepal, Sri Lanka and regions of East Asia. This text deals
with the former four regions, concentrating mainly on the Indian Stupa and its variants.

Ven. Punnavamsa 2

As to the second phase, instantly to clarify herein the original history and evolution of
the Stupa, we have to analyze the historical account of ancient India. There are many concept
connecting with Stupa; Buddhist, Hindu conception, Egypts conception including scholar
point of views.
In original Stupa, Indian Buddhist believes that Stupa derives from funeral mounds as
origin. It is an architectural device within a triangle. It is meant that the primary pan of the
Stupa is the triangle. It is similar to Pyramids of Egypt. Some scholar believes that the
original stupa is derived from the Egyptian pirimid where dead bodies were kept. It is a
raised mass of soil.
Moreover, Hindu people had a pole called Ypa to perform their ritual. It is
considered as the sacred symbol of the Hindu and the original stupa. Thus, a pole in the
middle is found in all Stupa. There is also a concept of celestial tree located in the center of
the world. Christian people consider it as the holy sign. Buddhists also believe that the
Buddha can attain Enlightenment under this Bodhi tree.
What is more and otherwise, a scholar Furgoson said that the Stupa had the cemetery
as origin. It had two shapes namely square shape belonging to god, and circular shape
belonging to Asuras. So, the dome of the stupa has a square shape where relics are kept. In
India, the Vedic stupa has squirrel shape construction. Agrawala says that universe originated
from Hiranya Stupa which is the symbol of Maharahma.
In history of the stupa, the Buddha mentions in Mahaparinibbana sutta of DghaNikya that there are four people who are worthy for the construction of Stupa as follow:
(a) samasambuddha,
(b) pacceka Buddha,
(c) arahant and
(d) cakkavatti
According to Mahayana Buddhism, they constructed Stupa for Dhayni-Buddha.
There are (10) stupas in distribution of Relics. The following stupas are found In India.
1. Stupas for Sariputta and Mogallana,
2. Stupa should be constructed minddle of the Cross roads Buddha,
3. Saruartivada Vinaya-Stupa with Buddhas hair and nails,
4. Mahsaghika Vinaya- Stupa built for Kassapa Buddha,
5. Jain Stupa- after mavaras death and
6. Stupas after distributions of relics.

Ven. Punnavamsa 3

There are also Stupas found in Sri lanka, such as pre Buddhist era- Mahiyangan and
Tiriyya, Ambasthala cetiya, Kataka cetiya, Indikatuseya, Ruvanceliseya, Tissamahrama,
Kelaniya, Seruwila etc found in Anuradhapura; Kirivehar Pabalu Vehara, pankot Vehara etc..
found in Polonnaruwa . In fact, it is believed and respected that Stupa originated for the
enshrining of the relics of the Buddha or Arahat.
In conclusion, even though there are many concepts of stupas, the concept of
Buddhist is that Stupa originated from funeral mounds. It is also believed that there only four
people who are suitable for the construction of Stupa; samasambuddha, pacceka Buddha,
arahant and cakkavatti.
As to the above mentioning, they therefore are collected to explain the origin and
evolution of the Buddhist Stupa regarding to the historical, homological and archaeological
of stand point which is shown as the image of the lord Buddha and the appearance of the
Lord Buddha.
We must therefore comprehend what we are,
Who we are, why we are developing in our mind instantly,
To continue a process of life faculty and purify the mind for us,
When we must know the higher teaching of the Dhamma,
We definitely see the Lord Buddha.
Hence, the most we know Him or the Lord Buddha,
The most we love Him or the Lord Buddha.
We deeply believe in the lord Buddha,
The nature of doctrine or Dhamma,
And the Sangha who is the Lord Buddhas followers.

Ven. Punnavamsa (

(Thesis)

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