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
| Location |
7 km east of Kathmandu |
| Importance |
UNESCO world Heritage Site |
| UNESCO Category |
Cultural |
| 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.
