Bodnath Stupa, Nepal

1 more image

A visit to the huge Stupa at Bodnath was one of the highlights of my visit to Nepal. A huge stupa, surrounded by temples, monasteries, shops and buildings with beautiful Newari architecture. This area is home to many Tibetan Refugees.
There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. It lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu.
For great views, have a light meal at the Stupa View Terrace & Restaurant.
There is no entrance fee

4 more images

As with most historical sights in and around Kathmandu, you now have to pay to enter Bodhnath, But if like me you have walked down from Kopan Monastery, you will enter the Stupa through the “Back Way” and when coming this way there is No Charge !!
Not that I mind paying to visit ancient sites, Just in Nepal you do wonder where the money ends up !!

3 more images

From simple domed burial mounds, “build to hold relics of Buddha”, stupas they evolved over the centuries to become complex structures that represent Buddhist philosophy. They are full of symbols, even to the smallest details, which are meant to reflect the religious philosophy.

- The five elements characteristic to the Buddhist universe are represented in the structure of every stupa – the base symbolises the earth, the dome - water, the spire – the symbol of fire, the umbrella – air and the pinnacle – ether.
- At the lowest level is the plinth, which may be a simple square platform or terraced one. The plinth at Boudha stupa is made of 3 tired crossed platforms and represent a mandala (aka a circle of completion), used by the pilgrims in circumbulatory passages.
- A little above the base of the dome there is a series of recessed niches encircling the entire periphery of dome where a total number of 108 stone sculptures of different Buddhist deities – 108 is a magic number.
- the hemispherical dome (kumbha) is freshly whitewashed every year and symbolises the water.
- to the top of the stupa dome is a harmika, a square usually painted on each side with a pair of eyes along with the question marks. With these ever cautious eyes, the lord Buddha beholds every happening constantly with a very keen attention, so that nothing is secret to him.
- Topping the harmika is a tapering section of 13 stages, representing the 13 different mental stages which have to be crossed on the way to Nirvana (the final salvation, freed from the worldly bondages)..
- Above the harmika, there is a vessel in the form of an inverted lotus Patel, which is to be filled with the water of knowledge. On the top, a gild metal parasol or umbrella to capture the wind.

3 more images

Bauddhanath, the largest stupa found in Nepal, and probably one of the largest in the world, lies 5 kms away from Kathmandu on the traditional trade route leading to Lhasa, the Tibetan capital occupied by China since 1950.

It is believed this massive stupa, over 36 m high, has been built sometime between the 4th and the second half of the 9th century. The site is enlisted UNESCO heritage since 1979.

The stupa at Baudha is one of the few places in the world where the Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant and unfettered.

From simple domed burial mounds, “build to hold relics of Buddha”, stupas evolved over the centuries to become complex structures that represent Buddhist philosophy. They are full of symbols, even to the smallest details, which are meant to reflect the religious Buddhist philosophy.

4 more images

The Bodnath Stupa is the biggest buddhist stupa in the world. Situated in the heart of Bodnath quarter, it is embraced by monasteries and gompas. Compared with Pashupatinath you can feel the much more relaxed atmosphere, with a constant mass of buddhist pilgrims and monks circling the stupa.
It is a nice place to relax for a couple of hours from Kathmandu´s hectic. The best place for that is one of the rooftop cafes.........

4 more images

When visiting Kathmandu don't forget to include Bodnath !! It is the Largest Stupa in Nepal and well worth the 20 minute taxi ride out !! You can walk around the Stupa or just sit and take it all in whilst doing a bit of people watching !!
Also aropund the square that the Stupa is set in there are some great litle restaurants to take lunch in !!
Just a Nice trip out of the centre of Kathmandu !!!
I am 100% Sure that the information in this tip is still as good now as when I wrote it in 2004 -- Happy Travels in Nepal -- Rob

The Bouddhanath Stupa is brimming with activity. This stupa is a must see to experience the lovely Buddhist, spiritual vibe. You will see Buddhist monks in their red robes and worshippers making a circle around the stupa. You will hear CDs of monks chanting throughout. There are prayer flags surrounding the stupa and it is a wonderful place to sit and watch all the activity or close your eyes and meditate. ~OM~

This is the largest Stupa in Nepal and well worth a visit, it is very impressive! This is one of the main centers for Tibetans in Nepal, adn due to that the area is adorned with lots of colourful prayer flags and monks. It really should be on your list of must sees.