List of Buddhist Stupas in India

Buddhist stupas are a form of architecture that has its roots in ancient India and are also found in other parts of Asia where Buddhism is practiced. Stupas are monumental structures that serve as places of worship, commemoration, and meditation. They are considered sacred places, and many Buddhists make pilgrimages to visit them.

Stupas come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are typically hemispherical or domed structures that are built on a circular base. They are often made of brick, stone, or other durable materials, and are adorned with elaborate carvings and decorations.

The design of the stupa is highly symbolic, and represents the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. The base of the stupa represents the Buddha’s earthly life, while the dome represents the heavens. The spire at the top of the dome represents the final stage of the Buddha’s journey, where he achieved enlightenment and entered into Nirvana.

Stupas are often constructed to hold relics, which are believed to be the remains of the Buddha or other important Buddhist figures. These relics are typically placed inside a small chamber at the center of the stupa, which is accessed through a narrow entrance.

In addition to serving as places of worship and pilgrimage, stupas also have practical uses. They are often used to mark important landmarks or to provide a focal point for a community. They are also used to store important documents and other objects, and are sometimes used as fortresses in times of war.

Some of the most famous stupas in India are as below :

1. Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh
2. Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
3. Amaravathi Stupa in Andhra Pradesh
4. Ratnagiri Stupa in Odisha
5. Lalitgiri Stupa in Odisha
6. Kesaria Stupa in Bihar
7. Piprahwa Stupa in Uttar Pradesh
8. Kundalpur Stupa in Madhya Pradesh
9. Vaishali Stupa in Bihar
10. Vikramshila Stupa in Bihar
11. Tabo Stupa in Himachal Pradesh
12. Basgo Stupa in Ladakh
13. Alchi Stupa in Ladakh
14. Hemis Stupa in Ladakh
15. Thiksey Stupa in Ladakh
16. Sankaram Stupa in Andhra Pradesh
17. Jaulian Stupa in Punjab
18. Ghositaram Stupa in Uttar Pradesh
19. Ghorakatora Stupa in Himachal Pradesh
20. Karcha Stupa in Himachal Pradesh