Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and one of the largest stupas in the world. It is located 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city centre.

As of 1979, Boudhanath along with Swayambhu has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The Boudhanath Stupa consists of a giant dome with a Buddhist pyramid tower on the top which is shaped like mandalas themselves. And there is a huge meditative monument created to be a focal point of worship and offering after the passing of Buddha. The Boudhanath Stupa has stood as a beacon of Buddhist belief for hundreds of years. It towers over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty and also giant eyes. The base of the stupa tower is decorated with pairs of eyes on each of the cardinal directions which represent the all-knowing nature of the Buddha. However, for those not fully indoctrinated into Buddhist belief, the building does seem to be peering down on visitors as they come to make offerings or just to see one of the more spectacular Buddhist sites in the world.

Located on an important trade route, the site of the Boudhanath Stupa provides possible converts to a steady stream.  In addition, the stupa is regarded as “Chorten Chenpo” which translates to “Great Tower” or just “Great Stupa” by the Nepalese in Kathmandu. The site did not truly become the center of Tibetan Buddhism until the 1950s as refugees from Tibet, China immigrated over to Katmandu who decided to live around Boudhanath and build over 50 gompas (Tibetan convent) around Boudhanath. At that time, temples and devotional sites began to spring up throughout the surrounding city and further far afield, strengthening the power and importance of the site immeasurably.