Lesser known facts about Boudhanath Stupa Nepal

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Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, Boudhanath, also known as Boudha, is a stupa. The Buddha’s relics and remains are kept inside the semicircular-shaped Boudha stupa. One of the biggest spherical stupas in the world, the stupa has a huge mandala. One of the top tourist attractions in Kathmandu is the Boudha Stupa, which was added to UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1979.

The first stupa was probably constructed sometime after 600 AD, when the two wives of the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo converted him to Buddhism. The current stupa structure was most likely constructed in the aftermath of the Mughal invaders’ destruction in the fourteenth century.

The enormous Boudhanath stupa acts as a horizon between the ground and the sky and as a portal to heaven. Three enormous platforms that get narrower make up the stupa structure’s base.

These platforms stand in for the sky, whereas the semi-sphere is supported by a circular vase, which represents water. The Buddha’s painted eyes on the stupa have been variously described as opaque, apathetic, empathic, and cunning. The Stupa’s building incorporates the five elements that best characterize Buddha: earth, air, water, fire, and space.

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  • Biggest Stupa in the World:

The first is the fact that this temple is one of the biggest in the entire planet. That’s because this temple’s diameter approaches 100 meters. That is around the size of a soccer field on average. You can be certain that Boudhanath is the largest temple in Nepal because to the available area for it.

The second fascinating feature about this Buddhist temple is that Boudhanath is quite well-known among Tibetans. This is so because many Tibetans regard this temple as a hallowed site. You should also not be surprised if many Tibetan Buddhists are making frequent trips to this temple in Nepal to pray or engage in similar activities.

One of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage places in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, Boudha is a breathtaking and spiritual place. Monks engage in prayer and music on the day of the full moon, and all Buddhists visit the location as part of their pilgrimage.

Many individuals perform a daily ritual of circumambulating the stupa three or more times while chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum” out loud (in a “kora”). Mantras and prayers are carried to heaven by prayer flags attached to the stupa that flutter in the wind. The stupa is a popular destination for prayer by people of all cultures, despite the fact that it is a sacred space for Buddhists. At 36 meters high, the location is extremely fascinating, with intriguing energies and symbols hidden around every corner.

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  • The Three Dimensional Mandala:

The stupa’s architecture is magnificent and extraordinary to see. The stupa is a three-dimensional mandala since it also consists of alternate squares and circles. Many religious views are held within this building. The base, square harmika, dome, spire, and pinnacle of each stupa structure have symbolic meaning.

These are the stupa’s five components. In this temple, Hindus practice their strong religious convictions. The stupa’s nine levels stand in for the fictitious Mt. Meru, the cosmic center, and the 13 rings that connect its base to its summit stand for the route to enlightenment, or “Bodhi”—hence the stupa’s name. A crooked 16-sided wall encircles the stupa at its base.

The sculptures around the foot of Boudhanath Stupa feature the 108 forms of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), who is directly related to the stupa. Avalokiteshvara’s mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, is etched next to his representations on the prayer wheels that round the stupa’s base.

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  • Shopping Hub for Many Cultural Products:

For many people, Boudhanath serves as a center for shopping. A variety of stores exist that sell both branded and locally produced goods. Tara Oriental is widely recognized for its cashmere products, Drichu is well renowned for its handcrafted clothing, and you may discover classic Thangka paintings, which are well known throughout the world.

Inside the stupa’s grounds, there is a Thangka learning center that you can visit. Numerous opulent hotels, like the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Hotel Tibet International, Ghangri Boutique Hotel, and Shambaling Boutique Hotel, are located close to Boudhanath. The biggest celebration in Nepal is held at Boudhanath during the Losar festival (also known as the Tibetan New Year) in February or March. The Boudhanath stupa receives hundreds of visitors each day and is open every day for 24 hours.

Even though it is crowded, the location is nonetheless extremely quiet. People of all ages visit this location to relax, take leisurely strolls, take pictures, eat delectable meals, and, most importantly, to find mental tranquility. Being in the heart of Kathmandu, it is quite convenient to travel there, and the airport is only a short distance away. From high-rise buildings, distant hotels, and residences, we can also see Boudhanath. It is a must-see location in Kathmandu.

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  • Eyes of Buddha:

The stupa’s hemisphere is supported by a circular plinth-like structure that is visible on the stupa’s summit. The water was indicated by this construction. Along with having square towers on top, the stupa has the eyes of Buddha painted on each of its four sides.

The Nepali character for harmony, the nose structure, is also depicted on the base of the eyes. The path to enlightenment, which was taught during the study of Buddhism, is also shown by this structure. Additionally, there is a third constructed eye above the two others, which stands for Buddhist wisdom. The summit of the tower has a pyramid with thirteen stages, representing the enlightenment’s thirteen initiation steps. The abstract representation of the fire element is a triangle.

The fifth element in Buddhist philosophy is symbolized by the spire, which is “symbolic of ether and the Buddha Vairocana,” and is embodied by the gilded canopy atop the stairs.

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  • The five sets of prayer flags:

A flag is tied at the stupa’s summit. Some of the world’s prayers and mantras are contained in this prayer flag. The flag is constantly flapping in the wind. There are five sets of prayer flags available, and each set comes in a variety of color options. These five hues reveal the five different sorts of illumination while also denoting the elements. Many birds come to the stupa in the morning, and the birds were fed here. The events taking place in the stupa are part of the everyday ritual. The practice of feeding fish, birds, or other animals is prevalent in Buddhism.

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Lumbini Tour Guide

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who lived 2600 years ago. It is a sacred area for Buddhists as well as those who care deeply about peace and humanity. Buddhists from all over the world (mostly from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand) dream of landing their feet inside Lumbini and bowing their heads before the sacred birthplace.

Many antique stupas and monasteries may be found in Lumbini’s restored park and surrounds. An inscription about the birth of the Buddha can be seen on a massive stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka about 250 BC. The Maya Devi temple is an essential component of Lumbini.

Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha while holding onto a branch is depicted in stone. The strokes of barren women seeking for fertility have worn it down. Lumbini (Buddha’s Birthplace), Kapilvastu (Siddhartha’s palatial hometown), Devdaha (Mayadevi’s Maternal Hometown), and Ramagrama (where Buddha’s relics were housed) make up the Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit. One can visit Lumbini to see the sites that are significant in his life.

When Buddha was alive, he visited Lumbini and Kapilvastu, and his relics (ashes) were housed in a stupa on Ramagrama.

Lumbini, in addition to its religious and historical significance, provides cultural insights into southern Nepalese village life. If at all possible, time your visit to coincide with the weekly Monday bazaar, when villagers from all over come to buy grains, spices, ceramics, jewelry, saris, and other products.

With colorful items set out under the mango trees and the air fragrant with incense, it could be a scene from the Arabian Nights. It’s a chance to haggle for souvenirs while seeing Lumbini’s native life.

Major Attractions/ Things to do in Lumbini:

Sacred Pond & Ashokan Pillar:

Maya Devi, the mother of Prince Siddhartha, is supposed to have bathed in the Sacred Pond. A 50-60 ton Ashokan Pillar has been erected beside the sacred pond. In 249 BC, Indian Emperor Ashok brought the pillar, which was identified with a Pali inscription. This proof established the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. In the 7th century, a thunderbolt destroyed this pillar. In 1312, Nepalese King Ripu Mall paid a visit to Lumbini with an evidence carving slogan, Om Mani Padme Hum. Near the Sacred Pond, there is a Bodhi tree.

Maya Devi Temple (Birthplace of Buddha):

In the 3rd century BC, Maya Devi Temple was built near Ashokan Pillar, with a marker stone indicating Prince Siddhartha’s exact birthplace. Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims gather to this temple every year on the full moon day of Baisakh to commemorate Buddha’s birth anniversary. A nativity sculpture with an activity of the prince’s delivery time is on exhibit. In addition, the temple contains ancient remains.

Monastic Zone:

There is a world peace lamp, a Buddha statue, and 42 plots of monastic land. Different countries monastery associated to Vajrayana and Theravada Buddhism may be seen, such as German, Chinese, Burmese, Mahabodhi Society, and Thailand. There includes a museum, Lumbini village, and a birds sanctuary.

Tilaurakot:

King Suddhodhana’s Tilaurakot palace in Kapilvastu, where Prince Siddhartha spent his first 29 years, located 27 kilometers west of Lumbini Garden. This is around an hour’s drive from Lumbini. This palace is home to old ruins, a grove of trees, King Suddodhana and Queen Mayadevi’s Stupa, a museum, and the palace’s west gate.

Lumbini Peace flame:

The Eternal Peace Flame is a continual flame that is guarded and burns 24 hours a day, 365 days a year here at the river’s mouth. It burns to represent world peace and is particularly lovely when the sun sets to view the full impact.

Visit Crane Sanctuary:

Cranes play a significant role in Buddha’s stories. As a result, they have a sanctuary dedicated only to their preservation, as well as a conservation site for a variety of other local species. The reserve, which is near to the World Peace Pagoda, is thought to be home to over a hundred pairs of cranes, including the uncommon Sarus Crane.

Meditate:

It is impossible to discuss Buddhism without mentioning the concept of meditation. Tourists in Lumbini frequently try their hand at various meditation techniques. While most tourists enjoy relaxing and reflecting under the Bodhi Tree, a number of meditation institutes in the vicinity provide programs with Buddhist monks for individuals seeking serious direction and wanting to join the community.

Best seasons for Lumbini tour:

Lumbini has four seasons, however Nepal has two distinct seasons that are the greatest times to visit. The greatest seasons go from early March until the end of June, and then again from September to the end of December.

In addition, due to the moderate quantity of sunshine and mild cold, spring (October-November) is another time of year when travelers like visiting Lumbini. The precipitation is significantly lower than in the summer, making travel and tourism more enjoyable. Traveling to Lumbini during the winter months (December-early February) can be chilly, as there is likely to be a lot of frost. Summers, on the other hand, will most likely be hot and humid (June-August).

Lumbini Tour Entry Fee:

The entrance cost is NRs 16 if you are an Indian. The entry cost for other SAARC nationals is NRs 100. Nepalese and Indians pay the same amount for a video camera and professional filming.

The entry charge for any foreign national would be 750 rupees. Outside of SAARC, professional filming will cost Rs. 37000($350), while a still camera will cost Rs. 200.

Final Remarks:

Lumbini is a magnificent sacred destination that many Nepalese are proud of. It’s easy to get there, and there’s much of historical, theological, and cultural learning to be had. Make sure you don’t miss out on this stunning location while in Nepal.

Lumbini Tour FAQs:

What is the best time to visit Lumbini?

The finest time to visit Lumbini is in April and May, when the Buddha Jayanthi, or the birth of Lord Buddha, is commemorated with much pomp.

What are the major attractions of Lumbini?

Lumbini Museum, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Ramgram Stupa, Tilaurakot, Ashoka Pillar, Puskarni, Kapilvastu, and Aroarakot are just a few of the city’s prominent attractions.

How long does it take to reach Lumbini from Kathmandu?

The distance between Kathmandu and Lumbini is about 330 kilometers, and it takes about 10/11 hours to travel.

How many temples are there in Lumbini?

The 14 monasteries in Lumbini’s West Monastic Zone have some amazing architecture, and the most of them are open to visitors.

Where does the Lumbini tour start from?

Lumbini Tour begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. It is a 255-kilometer trip west of Kathmandu. However, you may go from India’s Sunauli border to Lumbini in just a few hours; the distance from Sunauli to Lumbini is only 88 kilometers.

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