What is a Votive Stupa?

About Votive stupa:

• These are forms of the stupas, with their distinctive domelike drum, originating in eight cylindrical structures in which the Buddha's relics were placed after his death.
• The stupa shape has become associated with the Buddhist goal of release from the cycles of suffering and rebirth.
• In addition to the drum, this stupa has a tiered base and is crowned with a series of stylized umbrellas that symbolize royalty and divine status.
• The larger ones at Bodhgaya were probably given by visiting kings, while smaller stupas such as this one were offered by monks and lay pilgrims.
• Beginning in the 7th century CE in India, small miniature terracotta stupas became popular as votive offerings.

What is a stupa?

• It is a Buddhist commemorative monument usually housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons.