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In several different chapters of the "Saddharmapundarika Sutra", there are mentions that in the days of Buddha's physical absence, the best means of revival and wide promulgation of Buddhism is to give the people a target of homage by constructing stupas over the holy remains of the Buddha.
Besides this,
the objective of constructing Pagodas is to establish peace and to revive
the pure land around them, where all beings can enjoy their lives in Peace.
It may be in a garden or a city, atop a
mountain, or in the heart of a valley or in a town or
a village, or even in the middle of the vacant field.
It is said
in the 16th Chapter of the "Saddharmapundarika Sutra".
"All looking
on me as extinct
Everywhere
worship my relics
All cherishing
longing desires
And beget
thirsting heart of hope."
According to Hiuen Tsang, the form of the Stupa was first prescribed by Lord Buddha himself. Once the disciples of the Buddha asked him for an object of worship. He took out some hair and nail clippings. Then the disciples further asked about the right way of worshipping these relics. The Lord Buddha first spread his SANGHATI(Garment) on the ground in square shape. On it he laid down his Uttarasanga and then his SANKAKSIKA. Over it he placed as a cover his begging bowl. On the bowl he erected his mendicant's staff. Thus the shape of the stupa was defined.
A stupa is
the concrete expression of eternal dharma. The intriguing procedure
of cosmic manifestation and its reabsorbation through mystic knowledge
into supreme reality, is symbolized in a stupa. Therefore, the shape
of each part of a stupa is symbolic. The square base symbolizes the
rigid ritualism and fundamental virtues. On this square base is rested
a circular dome, symbolic of freedom from earthly bonds. Circular
rings on the top are called the wheels, each one signifying the mystical
power. The topmost focal point in a dimensionless form indicates
the way of NIRVANA heavenwards. The entire structural philosophy
of the stupa is sanctified by inserting DHATU(Relics of Lord Buddha) in
it. The purpose behind the establishment of these Shanti Stupas(Peace
Pagoda) is to disseminate love and peace in mankind, a mission which Emperor
Asoka had undertaken more than two thousand years ago by building Stupas
and erecting pillars and engraving thereupon his message of love and peaceful
co-existence.