Boudhanath-Boudha Stupa

May 14, 2024

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The Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal. It is also known as the Boudha Stupa. It is a listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 AD located in Kathmandu, Nepal, with a height of 36 meters. It is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage place. It is surrounded by numerous monasteries, shops of Buddhist artifacts and souvenirs. 

The Boudhanath stupa is believed to have been built in the 14th century and later rebuilt in the 17th century, and it is supposed to house the relics of the previous Buddha Kashyapa. It has a diameter of 120 meters. It is enclosed by a white dome with a gold tower on top known as the harmika.  It is surrounded by by prayer wheels and 108 tiny pictures of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.

The stupa is constructed in the shape of a large mandala, or circular base, with a dome-shaped structure at the middle, and four pairs of eyes that reflect Buddha's all-seeing nature. The stupa's thirteen-tiered spire depicts the thirteen levels of enlightenment. The stupa's base is adorned with 108 tiny statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, and prayer wheels are spun clockwise by visitors.

Earth, water, fire, and air are represented by stupas. The earth is represented by the square shape of the foundation, while the heavens are represented by the dome on top. The several prayer flags and little shrines symbolize providing of protection and blessing to those who come here. The eyes symbolize the Lord Buddha's all-seeing wisdom, letting visitors to be mindful and informed of their deeds. 

Many festivals are celebrated here, including Losar (the Tibetan New Year), Buddha Jayanti (the Buddha's birthday), and the Tibetan festival of Choekhor Duchen. During festival celebrations, the stupa gets adorned with lights and decorations. Many devotees gather to perform rituals and give prayers.  

Boudhanath is widely recognized as a significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination in Nepal, receiving a large number of people each year, both locals and foreign tourists. The stupa area is also home to many Tibetan refugees, therefore it has become a Tibetan Buddhist hotspot in Nepal. It is also known as the popular tourist destination in Kathmandu valley of Nepal.