Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is located at 7 km East/Northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Kh’sti in Nepal Bhasa, Jyarung Khashor in Tibetan language or as Bauddha by speakers of Nepali. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest stupas in the world.

It is the center of Tibetan culture inKathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. Among the Nepalese in Kathmandu, the stupa is simply referred to as “Chorten Chenpo” which translates to “Great Tower” or just “Great Stupa.” The base of the stupa tower is decorated with pairs of eyes on each of the cardinal directions representing the all-knowing nature of the Buddha. Asias largest stupa pulses with life as thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome, beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower.

Bodhanath Stupa and its surrounding have kept the Tibetan culture alive. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries dedicated to different sects of Tibetan Buddhism, in the vicinity of Bodhanath Stupa. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. It is especially spectacular at night when adorned with butter lamps. Many visitors come to see one of the more spectacular Buddhist sites in the world. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO.