In Buddhist art and religious tradition, which of the following symbols is especially associated with the Mahaparinirvana, that is, the passing away or death of Gautama Buddha?

Introduction / Context:
In Buddhism, key events in the life of Gautama Buddha are represented symbolically in art and architecture. The enlightenment, first sermon, and Mahaparinirvana or final passing away are all indicated using particular symbols. This question tests your basic knowledge of religious symbols in Buddhist tradition and specifically asks which symbol is linked with the death of the Buddha.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is Buddhist religious art and symbolism.
• We are focusing on the Mahaparinirvana or death of Gautama Buddha.
• The options include stupa, Bodhi tree, lion, and chaitya hall.
• Only one symbol is considered the main representation of the Buddha after his passing.

Concept / Approach:
A stupa is a dome shaped structure that usually contains sacred relics and is built as a place of meditation and worship. In early Buddhism, the physical representation of the Buddha was avoided and instead symbols such as stupas, wheels, footprints, and trees were used. After the death of Buddha, his relics were enshrined in stupas, and these stupas came to symbolise both his physical remains and his final passing. The Bodhi tree symbolises his enlightenment, the lion can symbolise royal power or the Buddha as a lion among men, and a chaitya is a prayer hall that may contain a stupa but is not itself the primary symbol of his death.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the term Mahaparinirvana refers to the final passing away of the Buddha and the end of the cycle of rebirth. Step 2: Remember that after this event, the bodily relics of Buddha were distributed and enshrined in stupas at various locations. Step 3: Understand that these stupas became the central objects of Buddhist veneration and directly symbolise the Buddha after his death. Step 4: Note that the Bodhi tree symbolises the place and moment of enlightenment, not the death event. Step 5: Recognise that the lion and chaitya hall have secondary or different symbolic roles and are not the main sign of the Buddha passing away.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you look at descriptions of important Buddhist sites, stupas such as Sanchi or those at Kushinagar where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana are emphasised as memorials of his passing. In contrast, Bodh Gaya is known for the Bodhi tree and the spot of enlightenment. Many exam guides also explicitly mention stupa as the symbol for the nirvana or death of Buddha, which confirms the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Bodhi tree is connected to enlightenment, not death. The lion is a symbol of royalty or the fearless proclamation of the Dharma but not specifically of the passing away. A chaitya hall is an architectural space for worship that may contain a stupa but does not itself symbolise the death of Buddha. Therefore, these options do not answer the specific question asked.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often confuse different Buddhist symbols because they appear together at major sites. Another mistake is to pick the Bodhi tree because it is very famous, forgetting that this is associated with enlightenment rather than the final passing. Keeping a simple map in mind that links the Bodhi tree with enlightenment and the stupa with relics and Mahaparinirvana helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
The symbol associated with the death or Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha is the Stupa.