CHAITYA

Chaitya, a kind of small sized Stupa represents the Universe and is considered to be an important Buddhist sanctuary. Chaityas are constructed in various shapes and sizes, sometimes square and sometimes round, with spires or steps on the capital. Each spire or step represents a heaven. The uppermost portion of the chaitya, the highest pointed structure in the middle, is supposed to be the highest peak of Mount Sumeru, a mythical, glittering mountain top. This highest peak is symbolically depicted as the peak point of enlightenment of the mind of the Bodhisatwas. Such a state of mind is known as Boddhichitta. The Bodhichitta is believed to lose itself to sunya or nothingness or eternity at this point. On the four sides of the chaitya are placed the figures of four Dhyani Buddhas – Akshobhya, Ratnasambhav, Amitabha and Amogsiddhi. The place of Vairochana is in the center. In some Chaityas Vairochana is placed to the east along with Akshobhya.