Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal which is located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Boudhanath is also called Boudha, Bodhnath or Khasa Caitya. Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal with a diameter of approximately 100 meters and 36 meters high above the street. In 1979, boudhanath was listed in UNESCO World Heritage list. It is one of the most popular tourist’s sites in Nepal. The stupa in Boudhanath is the focal point of Tibetan culture inside of Kathmandu. 

The history of Boudhanath dates back to the fourteenth century, preceding the infiltration of the Mughal people. No historian truly knows the reasons for its establishment but there are several theories. One is that the area was settled by Tibetan Buddhists after the invasion by the Chinese in 1959 with the Bodnath Stupa being the leading attraction as a place of holy pilgrimage.

Though Boudhanath temple lies in between the crowded town called Baudha, once people step into this Boudhanath stupa, most people find themselves relaxed and refreshed. In addition there are jewellery shops, music centers which often play tunes like “om mane peme hun”, and beautiful garden. Great view of boudhanath is seen perfectly from the hotels which lies right next to this monument. In Buddhanath Stupa, there are many monasteries or Gompa attractions. They are all impressively adorned and colorfully painted. Anyone can visit the monasteries and take visuals. The most auspicious day to visit this temple is during Lhosar festival. On this day, people from all over the Kathmandu, Tibetans from Sikkim, Bhutan, or say especially people who follow Buddhism, come to pray and light the candles in this temple. On this day this stupa is seen so beautiful that hardly anyone can explain it in words. According to myth, this Bouddha stupa was built just after the demise of Lord Buddha. Many Kilograms of gold were used in the decoration of the holy building.