ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Stupa

A stupa is a special kind of building that is very important to Buddhists. It is usually made of stone or brick and it looks like a big, round tower or dome.

Picture a big hill or mound of dirt. Then imagine turning that into a fancy, special building. That's what a stupa is like.

Now it's important to know that Buddhists believe in something called enlightenment or Nirvana. This is when a person reaches a state of perfect wisdom, peace, and happiness. They believe that by visiting stupas, they can get closer to this state.

Many stupas have a special area in the center where some important things are kept. These things could include relics, which are the remains of holy people like Buddha or sacred texts, like books. Some stupas also have prayer flags or prayer wheels around them.

People who visit stupas will often walk around them in a clockwise direction while praying or meditating. They might also leave offerings such as flowers, candles, or incense.

So, overall, a stupa is like a special kind of building that is important to Buddhists because it helps them get closer to enlightenment. It looks like a big round tower or dome and often holds important relics or sacred texts. People visit stupas to pray and meditate and leave offerings.