Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism

Abstract

This article studies the stupa in Buddhism as a religious and cultural symbol that reflects faith and beliefs that have been passed down since ancient times. In the Sukhothai period, the words “stupa” and “chedi” were used together, referring to buildings that enshrine the relics of important people. King Yot Chiang Rai built a stupa to enshrine the relics of King Tilokarat. In India, the stupa began as a mound containing relics and developed into an important religious site. He built the Great Stupa of Nalanda. King Ashoka the Great promoted the construction of stupas to worship the Buddha. He built the Sanchi Stupa and various stone thrones. The spread of Buddhism caused the stupa style to be influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, and Burmese art, until it became a local art in Thailand from the Dvaravati, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin periods. It is valuable historical and artistic evidence that helps reveal the history of Thai culture and the Southeast Asian region, which has a mixture of arts and diverse beliefs.