Bouddha Nath Stupa - Brief
Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, lies about 7
km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti
Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans
arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist
pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO.
Fast Facts
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Location |
7 km east of Kathmandu |
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Importance |
UNESCO world Heritage Site |
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UNESCO Category |
Cultural |
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UNESCO Listed |
1979 |
Structure
With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds
its place among the largest stupas in the world. The Buddhanath stupa covers a
vast area. It has a round path at the bottom while another path is made of
three-tier plinth. The stupa resembles Swayambhunath stupa to some extent. The
most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted
with red, white and blue colors.
Festivals
Lhosar, the Tibetan new year festival, is the most popular
festival celebrated at Bodhanath Stupa. Lhosar festival begins with prayers and
worship. Thousands of Tibetans dress in traditional attire and dance after
expressing reverence for Buddha. Number of Tibetans come from Laddakh, Sikkim,
Bhutan to take part in this festival.
Attractions
In Buddhanath Stupa, there are many monasteries or Gompa
attractions. They are all impressively adorned and colorfully painted. Anyone
can visit the monasteries and take visuals. It is advisable to give small
donation if you take photographs.
Tit-Bits
The whole structure has a diameter of about 100 meters and a
height of approximate 40 meters.
Legend holds that King Manadeva erected the Bouddhanath
stupa during the Lichavi period. It has been refurbished many times. The
present stupa was renovated in the seventeenth century.
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