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Boudhanath
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in
Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in
South Asia. Bouddhanath Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth
century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in
Tibet.
The stupa is located in the area of ancient
trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many
centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to
live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around
Bouddhanath.
The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a
Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller stupas are located
at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround
Bouddhanath.
Because of its location and size, it seems much
larger than the Swayambunath Stupa, with the same hemi-spherical dome
symbolizing the emptiness from which everything emanates. On top is the harmika
painted on each side with the eyes of the Buddha symbolizing awareness, and
above the spire with its 13 stages to the canopy. At ground level there is a
brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of the meditational buddha inset
behind copper prayer wheels. Early morning and evening are the times to visit
Bouddha to join the local residents in kora (walking the pilgrim's circuit,
sometimes with Tibetan pilgrims on their hands and knees). |
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