Stupa of Miracles
The Stupa of Miracles commemorates how the Buddha, through miraculous displays, convinced non-Buddhists and followers of wrong views in the Jetavana Grove at Shravasti.
Also known as the Stupa of the Subjugation of the Tirthikas, this stupa is associated with the various miracles performed by the Buddha at the age of fifty. According to tradition, he overcame followers of wrong views through his clairvoyant abilities, miraculous powers, and philosophical debate. This stupa was built by the Licchavi kingdom to commemorate the event known as the “Twin Miracle.”
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Stupa Design and Specifications
If you have the possibility to consult your teacher or lama, they can help you choose the most suitable type of stupa.
The dimensions and materials are identical for all stupa types.
Stupa Height
34.5cm
Stupa Width
18 cm
Height with Pedestal
43.5cm
Width with Pedestal
22 cm
Internal Volume
1 liter
Weight
approx. 4.4 kg
Material
Stupa body - ceramic compound (artificial stone),
Ornaments - epoxy and polyurethane resin
Stupa Specifications
+
Stupa Height
34.5cm
Stupa Width
18 cm
Height with Pedestal
43.5cm
Width with Pedestal
22 cm
Internal Volume
1 liter
Weight
4.4 kg
Material
Stupa body - ceramic compound (artificial stone), Ornaments - epoxy and polyurethane resin
Shravasti – Place of Miracles and a Holy Place of the Dharma
Hearing that the Buddha had forbidden his disciples display their powers before laymen, six non-Buddhist philosopher-magicians challenged the Buddha to a exhibition of logic and supernormal powers in Sravastī, King Prasenajit's capital city. At that time the Buddha was residing in Rajagrha, capital of the neighboring kingdom of Magadha. When Bimbisara, king of Magadha, inquired of Buddha how he would respond to the challenge, the Buddha replied, "If they perform miracles, I will do the same." "But have you not forbidden the performance of miracles?" said the king. "Great King," replied the Buddha, "I have not laid down such a precept for myself; the precept was intended only for my disciples."
The Buddha announced that he would travel to Sravasti and defeat the challengers in the shade of a mango tree. While King Prasenajit erected a great hall for the debate, the six philosophers had all the mango trees in Sravasti cut down. When the time came for the contest, the Buddha cast a mango seed on the ground; instantly the seed took root and a great mango tree arose to shade the hall. The Buddha then defeated the six philosophers and converted them to his teaching, after which the Enlightened One performed the Miracle of the Pairs. The Mahavastu describes this display:
"Then the Exalted One, standing in the air at the height of palm tree, performed the Miracle of the Pairs. Flames engulfed the lower part of his body, and five hundred jets of water streamed from the upper part. Then flames leapt from the upper part of his body, and five hundred jets of water streamed from the lower part. Then, by his magic power, the Blessed One transformed himself into a bull with a quivering hump. Appearing in the east, the bull vanished and reappeared in the west. Vanishing in the west, it reappeared in the east. Vanishing in the north, it reappeared in the south. Vanishing in the south, it reappeared in the north... Several thousand kotis of beings, seeing this great miracle, became glad, joyful, and pleased."
After twenty-two variants of these 'pairs,' the Enlightened One seated himself on a lotus and multiplied Buddha-forms as far as the Akanistha Heaven. For this remarkable display of spiritual powers, Sravasti became known as the site of one of the eight great wonders.
~ Holy places of the Buddha