Bouddhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath stupa is one of the holiest and most recognizable sites in Kathmandu. It is believed that the foundation of Bouddhanath was started in the 5th century. Boudhanath is the religious center of Buddhists and Hindus; it is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. Its significance is multifaceted, encompassing religious, cultural, and architectural aspects. It has the relic of Kashyapa Buddha’s right arm ashes in the Centre foundation point and is a completely solid-packed structure. Boudhanath is more than just a monument; it is a living center of faith, a spiritual sanctuary, and a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist culture and a beacon of peace for the world. Boudhanath is rich in symbolism and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is 43 meters tall from the ground, 120 meters in diameter, and built on an octagonal base. It has almost 50 monasteries and shops of Tibetan artifacts. The most interesting things are monks with shaven heads and maroon robes, pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras inside the monastery, or walking clockwise, counting 108 rosary beads in hand around the stupa.
Religious and Spiritual Importance
A Center of Tibetan Buddhism: Boudhanath is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, a large number of Tibetan refugees settled in the Boudhanath area, establishing over 50 monasteries (gompas) and transforming it into a vibrant hub of Tibetan culture and religion. The stupa is a major pilgrimage destination, especially for Tibetan Buddhists.
The Mind of All Buddhas: In Tibetan Buddhism, a stupa represents the mind of all Buddhas. Circling the stupa, a practice known as kora or circumambulation, is a form of meditation and prayer. Devotees walk clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras, believing that this act purifies negative karma and brings good fortune.
A Sacred Reliquary: According to some legends, the stupa contains the relics of Kashyapa Buddha, one of the previous Buddhas. The presence of these sacred relics makes the stupa a highly revered place for devotion and spiritual practice.
Architectural and Symbolic Elements
The architecture of Boudhanath is rich in symbolism, representing a three-dimensional mandala and the path to enlightenment.
The Mandala Base: The stupa is built on a massive three-tiered plinth, which is shaped like a mandala, a geometric pattern representing the universe.
The Dome (Gumbas): The great white dome symbolizes the womb of the universe and the earth.
The Harmika and the All-Seeing Eyes: Above the dome is a square tower called the harmika. On all four sides of this tower are painted the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, also known as the Wisdom Eyes. The eyes represent the Buddha's ability to observe all beings and remind followers to be aware of the path to enlightenment. The "nose" below the eyes is the Nepali character for the number one, symbolizing unity and the single way to enlightenment.
The Thirteen Steps: The golden spire above the harmika has thirteen steps, representing the thirteen stages a person must pass to achieve enlightenment and reach Nirvana.
Prayer Flags: Colorful prayer flags are strung from the spire, carrying prayers and mantras on the wind to bless all sentient beings. Each of the five colors of the flags represents a different element: blue for sky, white for air, red for fire, green for water, and yellow for earth.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Ancient Origins: While there are various legends about its founding, historical accounts suggest the stupa was built around the 5th century CE by a Licchavi king. One famous legend attributes its construction to a humble widow who, with her sons, built the great stupa with the king's permission and the profits from her poultry farming.
A Living Community: The area around Boudhanath is a thriving community. The narrow alleys are lined with shops selling traditional Tibetan artifacts, thangka paintings, prayer flags, and other religious items. The air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of chanting, making it a truly immersive spiritual and cultural experience.
A Symbol of Resilience: The stupa was severely damaged during the devastating 2015 earthquake. However, through the collective efforts of the local community, Buddhist organizations, and international donors, it was meticulously restored and reopened in 2016, becoming a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for the Nepali people.
