Boudhanath Stupa In Kathmandu, Nepal
One Of Nepal’s Holiest Sites and a Famous Kathmandu Attraction
Sep 3, 2009
Boudhanath is one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Nepal's capital Kathmandu and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Located in Kathmandu’s suburbs, east from the city centre, Boudhanath and its 36-metres high white stupa can be seen from far away.
The History Of Boudhanath Stupa In Kathmandu
Boudhanath is said to be built on an ancient trade route to Tibet at a site where merchants stopped to pray, and legends insist that it dates back to the 5th century AD.
According to legend related to the beginnings of Boudha, a woman asked her King to donate land for building a stupa. The King promised to give her an area of land that could be covered by the skin of one buffalo. The woman cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and used them to circle a large area of land, which the King then had to grant her for building the stupa that is now known as Boudhanath. The stupa is also said to contain the remains of a sage.
What To See In Boudhanath Stupa In Kathmandu
The eyes of the Buddha, painted on four sides of the tower over the stupa, keep a watchful eye on visitors (much like in Kathmandu’s other famous Buddhist site, Swayambhunath). Between the eyes is painted the Nepali number one as a symbol of unity, and above the eyes the third eye symbolizes the wisdom of looking within. Above the square tower there is a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the path to enlightenment (= bodhi), and topped with a gilded canopy and a gilded spire. All around the stupa colourful Buddhist prayer flags carry to heaven the prayers that are printed on them.
Around the stupa are representations of the 108 forms of Avalokiteshvara, who is closely associated to Boudha. Prayer wheels around the stupa are carved with Avalokiteshvara’s mantra Om Mani Padme Hum.
When To Visit Boudhanath Stupa In Kathmandu
A good (if busy) time to visit Boudhanath is at dusk, when hundreds of devotees walk around the stupa in a clockwise circle performing kora, or pilgrimage, spinning prayer wheels as they pass them to release prayers. Many pilgrims make their way around the stupa slowly by prostrating on the ground.
One of the biggest festivals celebrated in Boudhanath is Losar, the Tibetan New Year in February, that attracts thousands of pilgrims. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, many Tibetan refugees settled in the area around Boudhanath, and today there is a large Tibetan community in this part of Kathmandu, as well as many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and centres for Tibetan Buddhist studies. Shops around the stupa sell Tibetan art, jewellery and handicrafts, and several restaurants around the area offer balconies and roof terraces with stupa views.
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