A stupa is a round, mound-like structure that houses Buddhist relics. The relics may be a Buddhist scroll or any possessions (like a staff or pieces of clothing) of a former Buddhist leader. It may even be the remains (like bones or teeth) of a Buddhist leader. There are several famous stupas in India.

One of these famous stupas is the Dhamek Stupa. It is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Dhamek Stupa was built by King Ashoka to commemorate the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples. The Stupa is made of brick and stone with carved figures of birds, flowers and humans.

The Shanti Stupa is a white colored stupa in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Shanti Stupa was built by Japanese and Indian Buddhists to promote world peace and symbolize the close ties between Indian and Japanese Buddhism.

The Chaukhandi Stupa is made of brick and located in the holy city of Varanasi. Originally the Stupa was a temple built to remember the Buddha’s travels to the Varanasi area, but was remodeled to a stupa with an octagonal tower to commemorate Emperor Humayun’s visit to the Stupa.

The Dro-dul Chorten Stupa is located in Sikkim. This Stupa was built by Tibetan Buddhist monks. The Dro-dul Chorten Stupa is decorated with prayer wheels. Two statues of Guru Rinpoche surround the stupa. Guru Rinpoche is considered the second Buddha.