Kathmandu Boudhanath Buddhist Stupa, Nepal

Address

Kathmandu Boudhanath Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Phone: +977 986-3319626

Deity

Buddha

Introduction

• Location: Situated about 11 km (6.8 miles) northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Significance:
  • One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Part of the ancient trade route from Tibet, connecting to the smaller Charumati Stupa (Little Boudhanath).

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • Built shortly after the death of Lord Buddha in the 5th century AD during the reign of King Manadev (464-505 AD).
  • Regarded as the world’s largest Chhyorten (stupa).
  • Constructed using a significant amount of gold for decoration.
• Relics:
  • Believed to house the remains of Kassapa Buddha.
• Legend of Construction:
  • According to Newar Buddhist mythology, King Vikramaditya of the Licchavi kingdom ordered the construction of a dhunge dhara (stone water spout) in his palace courtyard.
  • When the dhunge dhara produced no water, astrologers suggested a human sacrifice of a male with thirty-two perfections (Battis-Lakshanas).
  • The king sacrificed himself; during the ceremony, his head flew to the nearby Sankhu Bajrayogini Temple.
  • In his sorrow, a prince cast off a chicken from the temple, which landed at the site of the current Boudhanath Stupa.
  • The name “Khāsti” comes from the local words for dew (“khas”) and drops (“ti”), referring to how people survived the drought by collecting dew.

Special Features

• Spiritual Environment:
  • A deeply spiritual area where devotees circumambulate the stupa, chanting the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” multiple times daily.
  • During full moon days, monks engage in prayers and songs, attracting many Buddhists to visit.
• Architectural Elements:
  • Represents the five elements associated with Buddha: earth, air, water, fire, and space.
  • It is believed that many Buddhas have incarnated as Lamas at Boudhanath, and the rays of Bodhisattva enter the stupa in the form of heavenly songs.
• Cultural Reverence:
  • Viewed with great reverence alongside other important sites like Sange, Thange, Duibe, and Chorten.
• Access and Surroundings:
  • Main entrance located on the north side of the upper platform.
  • The area surrounding the stupa features narrow streets and alleys adorned with Buddha images and vibrant scripts.

Century/Period/Age

5th century AD

Managed By

UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Nearest Bus Station

Kathmandu

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul junction

Nearest Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport

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