The Votive Stupas of Ladakh

A typical traveller to Ladakh notices a lot of miniature stupas at every nook and corner of this trans-Himalayan region. These are not the typical relic stupas that are very well known for their religious significance.


Instead, these are the votive stupas that are constructed by the locals to commemorate their visits or to gain spiritual benefits. Locals keep sacred texts and other goods of religious importance like a prayer bowl or a prayer wheel inside these votive stupas as offerings.


These votive stupas are found across the entire region of Ladakh and more so at the site of prominent stupas, which are regularly visited. The smallest of these votive stupas can be an assorted pyramid of stones, while the large ones will be the more well constructed and organized that look like miniature stupas.


These votive stupas offer the typical traveller a great feel of the rich Buddhist culture and add an interesting flavour to Ladakh’s barren landscape.