The stupa is a facing mound of earth with permanent material. Some stupas are more elaborate like the one in Sanchi. Visiting a stupa relates to a diagram that tells followers of Buddhism understand themselves, their place on Earth, and Earth's place in cosmos. Stupas have been built throughout India for centuries. Throughout the centuries they have become more elaborate. The dome is sometimes emphasized with a pole at its apex, further the thrust of the structure. One way for them to do their rituals was attaching a banner to the chattri, which draws more attention to the stupa's highest point.
One if the more elaborate stupas is the caves at Ajanta. The caves of Ajanta provided a larger space to house multiple devotees and formed the basis of Buddhist temples with rectangular halls. Some caves are a combination of found configuration and carved architectural compositions. Over time statues of Buddha were placed in front of the stupa. A mandala is a circle within a square. The circle is the heavenly realm and connection of Earth to cosmos. The square represents the domain of humanity.
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Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws8Ox8tqzbk
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