Buddhist Monasteries Architecture

Study Notes

Typically built on hilltops or mountain ridges to represent the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds
Characterized by:
- White walls with red or yellow stripes, symbolizing purity and wisdom
- Roofs adorned with golden finials and prayer flags
- Elaborate wooden carvings and ornate doorways
- Interior murals and thangkas (Buddhist paintings) depicting deities and spiritual scenes
Examples:
- Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet (former residence of the Dalai Lama)
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet (one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet)

In Tibet:
- Made of stone, wood, or rammed earth
- Flat roofs with multiple layers of roofing material to insulate against the harsh climate
- Windows often small and narrow to conserve heat
- Decorated with prayer flags, murals, and carvings
In Nepal:
- Made of brick, wood, or stone
- Roofs often pitched with multiple layers of tiles or thatching
- Windows larger and more ornate, with intricate wood carvings
- Decorated with carvings, statues, and ornate doorways

Originated in ancient India as a symbol of Buddhist enlightenment
Typically built in a hemispherical or bell-shaped form
Components:
- Base: represents the Earth
- Dome: represents the Buddha's body
- Spire: represents the Buddha's mind
- Umbrella or finial: represents the Buddha's wisdom
Examples:
- Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal (one of the largest stupas in the world)
- Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Built on hilltops or mountain ridges to symbolize connection between spiritual and physical worlds
Characterized by white walls with red or yellow stripes, symbolizing purity and wisdom
Features include golden finials, prayer flags, elaborate wooden carvings, and ornate doorways
Interior murals and thangkas depict deities and spiritual scenes
Examples: Potala Palace, Tashilhunpo Monastery

In Tibet:
- Made of stone, wood, or rammed earth
- Flat roofs with multiple layers for insulation
- Small windows for heat conservation
- Decorated with prayer flags, murals, and carvings
In Nepal:
- Made of brick, wood, or stone
- Pitched roofs with multiple layers of tiles or thatching
- Larger windows with intricate wood carvings
- Decorated with carvings, statues, and ornate doorways

Newari style (Nepal):
- Characterized by tiered roofs, intricately carved wooden doors and windows, and ornate stone or metal carvings
- Examples: Pashupatinath Temple, Nyatapola Temple
Tibetan style:
- Characterized by simple, whitewashed walls, golden finials, and prayer flags
- Features include elaborate wooden carvings and ornate doorways
- Examples: Jokhang Temple, Sakya Monastery

Originated in ancient India as a symbol of Buddhist enlightenment
Typically built in a hemispherical or bell-shaped form
Components: base (Earth), dome (Buddha's body), spire (Buddha's mind), and umbrella or finial (Buddha's wisdom)
Examples: Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa

In Tibet:
- Potala Palace: characterized by white walls with red or yellow stripes, elaborate wooden carvings, and ornate doorways
- Norbulingka Palace: features gardens, courtyards, elaborate wooden carvings, and ornate doorways
In Nepal:
- Hanuman Dhoka Palace: characterized by ornate stone carvings, wooden decorations, multiple courtyards, and intricate metalwork