Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath at night

Kathmandu has many things to attract a large number of visitors every year. Also called the city of Temples, it not only has Hindu Temples to visit to but also large number of Buddhist Destinations. Among numerous Buddhist Destinations, Boudhanath Stupa is the one which gives a sense of calm and peace to the visitors. Located in an accessible site of Kathmandu, it stands to be one of the oldest and the largest stupas in whole world. This place is only 11 kilometers far from Kathmandu and it falls in Boudha of Kathmandu Metropolitan. Boudha area is also known as the place where large population of Tibetans reside. 

Although situated in the middle of busy and crowded Boudha area, once visitors enter the Stupa premises they can feel the serenity and spirituality of the place. There are numerous stories related to the stupa. Among them Tamang Mythology is very convincing one. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Lichhavi Dynasty but Nepali records say otherwise. That is, it is also thought to have been built during the reign of King Mandev. This place is sacred to all Nepalese and the Tibetans in special. This place was enlisted by UNESCO in World Heritage Sites in 1979 A.D.

Structure of Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is dome shaped and its structure is simple yet fascinating. As it is one of the largest Stupa in whole world, its height is about 130 meters. It is found that five elements of the earth (air, water, soil, fire and space/ether) have been represented in its architecture. The first thing anyone notices is the eyes of the Budhha on all the four sides of the Stupa. The eyes of Buddha on all four sides represent the four cardinal points and represents the belief that Buddha sees everthing. This stupa has nine levels which mark the Mt. Meru (Center of the Cosmos) and the thirteen rings to the pinnacle represent the path to Buddha's enlightment.

The base with three large platforms decreasing in size represent the earth while the two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere symbolizes water. The triangle shape consiting the thirteen steps is the symbol of fire. Glided canopy at the top symbolizes the air with glided spire above it is the representation of last element i.e. space/ether.

Things to do

Visitor spinning the prayer wheels

An old monk in the state of meditation

Hustle and bustle of Boudha area does not affect the Stupa premises at all and visitors can see and feel the prayers and chants of the monks inside the stupa premises. So the first thing to do here is observe the monks pray and chant their slogans and mantras. Also visitors are always welcome to participate in Buddhist prayers, meditation and chants. Visitors can sit there whole day and observe the life there, people and their daily activities. There have been many monasteries established around the stupa with the passage of time. These are great places to gain new experiences with different environment which is not found at home. The little souvenir shops offer varieties of fascinating things such as Nepali T-shirts, Buddha related items such as statues, rings, necklace and many other fascinating things. The view of Buddhist monks rotating their prayer wheels and chanting slogans is quite fascinating to see.