Enlightenment Stupa

The first Stupa of this type was built in Bodhgaya, the place where Buddha reached Enlightenment, by the contemporary of Buddha Shakyamuni, Indian ruler Bimbisara. This is the most important type of Stupas as it symbolizes the goal of the Buddhist practice: liberation from ignorance and full development of mind’s qualities such as fearlessness, joy and active compassion.

A Stupa of Enlightenment is of square section and has four steps in the central part. Each of its detail is symbolic. A square foundation of the Stupa called the Lion Throne denotes the basis for Enlightenment. The central part including four steps, semi-sphere (vase) and a small square stone (tre) show causes for reaching Enlightenment. The top of the Stupa (13 rings, an umbrella, the moon, the sun and a jewel) symbolizes the results of the Buddhist practice, i.e. Enlightenment itself.