Hand Made Silver Plated Copper Alloy in Oxidation Finish 19" Stupa / Chaitya / Chorten

Stupa / Chaitya / Chorten

Stupa or Chorten – The Basis of Offering

Stupa (Chorten in Tibetan which means "the basis of offering") is an important religious monument in Tibet. This unique religious architectural form expresses significant religious symbolism and presents Buddha's physical presence. It generally consists of three parts; a whitewashed base, a whitewashed cylinder and a crowning steeple or shaft. The square base foundation, representing the Buddha's lotus throne, symbolizes earth, the state of solidity and five forces (faith, concentration, mindfulness, perseverance and wisdom.) The four stepped bases may or may not have openings. Above the base is a square or hexagon four stepped pedestal which represents The Buddha's crossed legs. Seated on the base is the cylinder, representing his torso. This symbolizes water, the state of fluidity and seven essential conditions of enlightenment: concentration, effort, equanimity, flexibility, mindfulness, joy and wisdom. Sometimes a Stupa has a shield like grillwork in one face. This allows relics of high lamas, statues and other items to be put inside. Between the cylinder and the crowning steeple, three is a square box, called Harmika, which represents the Buddha's eyes. It is considered to be the residence of the gods, symbolizing the eightfold noble path. The crowning steeple, the Buddha's crown, is usually hand - made of brass and/or covered with gold leaf. It is segmented into 13 tapering rings, a parasol and a twin symbol of the Sun and the Moon. Those rings, representing fire and the thirteen steps of enlightenment, successively symbolize ten powers of the Buddha and three close contemplations. The stylized parasol, representing wind, wards off all evil. At the top of the steeple is the twin symbol of the Sun and the Moon, which represent wisdom and method respectively. A flaming jewel may be found on the top of the twin symbol, symbolizing the highest enlightenment.

Stupa or Chorten or Chaitya, which represents the Buddhist Universe, is the Buddhist sanctuary, sometimes square and sometimes round, with spires or steps on the capital. A Stupa is a tower or steeple erected atop Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist temples. The Stupa is a symbol for the elementary organization of the universe according to Hindu cosmology. Each spire or step represents a heaven, the uppermost portion being a point which is supposed to be the highest peak of Mount Sumeru, a mythical mountain whence the Bodhichitta loses itself in sunya. It is composed of four parts (from the base, up), symbolizing the five tattwas, or elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. On the four sides of the Stupa or Chaitya the figures of four Dhyani Buddhas; Akshobhya, Ratna Sambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasiddhi are placed. The place of Vairochana is in the centre. In some Stupa or Chaitya Vairochana is placed to the east along with Akshobhya.

About this Ritual Item

This exquisite Stupa / Chaitya / Chorten is a masterful piece of handcrafted artistry. Expertly sculpted from copper alloy with a silver-plated finish, the Stupa has been submitted to an oxidation process, yielding a rich and sensuous finish that enhances the intricate details throughout the piece.

Each element of the Stupa, from the finely carved ornaments to the delicate artwork, speaks to the mastery of the Shakya clan artisans in Patan, Nepal. These craftsmen are considered among the best in the world and are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries.

The fine metalworking techniques employed in the creation of this Stupa have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that each piece is a true masterpiece that embodies both artistic excellence and profound spiritual significance.

This Stupa / Chaitya / Chorten was individually handcrafted by master artisans of the Shakya clan, who have infused their work with a deep sense of devotion and dedication to their craft. The result is a breathtakingly beautiful piece of art that is not only a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan but also a powerful symbol of the spiritual journey.