Stupa

(skt.: stupa; tib.: chorten) Buddhist reliquary objects ranging in size from huge to a few inches in height and representing the enlightened mind. Stupas often contain holy texts, mantras or relics and remains of the Buddha or great bodhisattvas. Stupas are usually dome- or mound-shaped. The first stupas were built after Shakyamuni\'s death, when his ashes were divided into eight parts and eight stupas were erected in eight districts to hold the Buddha\'s relics.