Stupa, Chorten
Skt., stupa; hair-knotTib., mChod-rten; foundation of offering
The first Indian stupas were sacred buildings meant to hold relics of the Buddha. Their design structure was meant to reflect the shape of Buddha while sitting in meditation; with his hair tied into a knot above the head.
Tibetan chortens do not necessarily contain relics but have more or less the function of a temple. Built according to principles of sacred architecture, they are seen as both focus and transmitter of healing energies throughout all (six) realms of existence.