Boudhanath Stupa is situated in the capital of Nepal, namely Kathmandu. The stupa is also known as Boudha, Boudhanath, or the Khasa Caitya. People called this Khasti in the Nepali language and Jyarung Khashor in the Tibetan language.
The stupas are the symbol of Buddhism. Now, the stupa is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa was first manufactured by the Tibetan king, namely Songtsen Gampo, in 600 AD. In the year 1959, it becomes one of the essential sites for Tibetan Buddhism.
List of the Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Boudhanath Stupa:
Fact No 1 – Biggest Stupa In the World
The stupa contains a diameter of 100 meters. It is the biggest stupa in the world and also the largest stupa in Nepal. The stupa is extended 36 meters more and dominates in the sky.
The stupa contains a lot of architecture, and all of them are extraordinary in their way. All the structures of the stupa represent something very well. Read Also: Top 20 Places to Visit in Nepal.
Fact No 2 – The 3-Dimensional Mandala
The architecture of the stupa is stunning and unusual to see. The stupa comprises alternated squares and circles as well, which is known as a three-dimensional mandala. This structure holds many religious beliefs.
All the stupa structures contain some symbolic significance, namely the base, square harmika, dome, spire, and pinnacle. These are the five elements of the stupa. Hindus have great religious beliefs in this temple. Read Also: 10 Popular Reasons to visit Nepal.
Fact No – 3. The Symbolic Element
The stupa also contains some other symbolic elements as well. The Boudhanath stupa is structured in nine levels which indicate mythical facts. In the mid of the stupa, the cosmos is presented here.
On the base of the stupa, it comprises 13 rings to the pinnacle elements, representing the path of enlightenment. From this, the name of the stupa Boudhanath is situated. Read Also: 5 Famous Treks Destinations in Nepal.
Fact No 4 – Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
On the bottom side of the stupa, it is whole encircled by 16-sided walls that are irregular in shape. This stupa is entirely associated with Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, which is available in 108 types of forms and is fully depicted in the stupa’s base.
Its prayer wheel is fully carved with the Avalokiteshvara mantra, namely Om Mani Padme Hum. The prayer wheel is situated on the side of images of Avalokiteshvara. Read Also: Top 13 Popular Folk Dances of Nepal.
Fact No 5 – Three Types of Structures
The base of the stupa comprises 3 types of platforms which are arranged in decreasing order. All these platforms represent the earth. At this point, visitors experience the prayers which are held on the premises of the stupa.
People also view the beautiful mountains and are listening to the prayers that provide peace to the mind. People also gather during prayer and remember God. Read Also: 7 Best Religious Places to Visit in Nepal.
Fact No 6 – Eyes of Buddha
On the top of the stupa, a circular plinths type structure is identified, which supports the hemisphere of the stupa. This structure indicated the water. The stupa comprises towers on the top, which are square, and it also consists of the eyes of Buddha on all four sides of the stupa.
On the bottom of the eyes, a nose structure is also represented, which is a Nepali character and represents unity. This structure also reveals the way to reach enlightenment, which was taught during the Buddhism study. And above two eyes, one more eye is also structured, which represents the wisdom of Buddhism. Read Also: 10 Popular Festivals of Nepal – Religious and Cultural Festivals.
Fact No 7 – The top structure of the stupa
The top structure of the stupa is a pyramid in shape. The pyramid constitutes thirteen tiers which represent the thirteen-step of Buddha during the enlightenment. The shape is triangular, which represents the element of fire.
At the top of the stupa, a canopy-type structure is located. Spire is the fifth element of Buddhist philosophy which represents ether and the Buddha Vairocana.
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Fact No 8 – Prayer flags in the five sets
At the top of the stupa, a flag is knotted. This prayer flag holds some mantras and prayers in the world. All the time flag is fluttering into the wind. Prayer flags are available in the five sets, and all of them are available in various types of colors.
These five colors indicate the elements and also reveal the five types of lights. In the morning, the stupa is visited by many birds, and feeding to the birds happened here. It is the daily routine that is happened in the stupa. In Buddhism culture, feeding birds, fish, or animals takes place.
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Fact No 9 – Street of Boudhanath Stupa
All the symbols together make a special appearance in the stupa. The stupa is meta-symbolic in construction which consists of different levels of suggestions. The street of Boudhanath is filled with colorful homes, monasteries, and some street vendors. All these monasteries are Buddhist monasteries, and Buddhists have great belief in these monasteries.
Many devotees the whole year visit the stupa, and they do prayer and chant on the premises of the stupa. It is very unusual to know that the stupa gets some makeover for maintaining its beauty once every year. The whole stupa is carried with lime powder mixed with some water and spread to the stupa. This is a unique way to decorate the paintings of the stupa. It is also an old way. Read Also: Why you should Visit Pokhara: Top 9 Reasons
Fact No 10 – Lotus petal pattern of the stupa
The lotus petal pattern of the stupa is decorated with saffron water. The whole process is done by the skilled labor who throws water on the stupa, and when it gets settled on the stupa, it forms a round shape.
However, during an earthquake in Nepal in 2015, the structure of the Boudhanath is damaged. Many important structures of the stupa are also damaged very severely. But very soon renovation of the stupa is held from the 3rd November in the year 2015.
Conclusion
Boudhanath stupa is very important for Buddhists. Buddhism has a great belief in this stupa. Every element of the stupa holds some fantastic facts, which are very interesting to know. All the structures carry some facts about Lord Buddha. It is a significant tourist spot in Nepal and is visited by many tourists around the year.
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