How did Buddhist monasteries grow around stupas in Southeast Asia?

In Southeast Asia, Buddhist monasteries expanded around stupas—domed monuments that serve as emblems of Buddhist truth—as centers of religious life and royal devotion.1

These monastic complexes grew through a continuous process of enlargement and rebuilding. As these sites became focal points for piety, facilities such as preaching halls, libraries, and living quarters for monks were expanded to accommodate the needs of the religious community. This growth was often driven by the patronage of kings, who sought to demonstrate their commitment to the Buddhist faith by sponsoring the construction and maintenance of these structures.1

While these monasteries served as vital institutions for study and meditation, they were also deeply connected to the broader cultural landscape, often incorporating artistic elements that illustrated the life of the Buddha or Jataka tales to make Buddhist teachings accessible to the common people. Over time, these sites evolved into significant centers of learning, particularly in regions like Pagan, where monasteries became hubs for the study of the Pali canon.12