In the middle of Nepal a domed glittery white structure named Bodhnath stupa (chorten) is located. The stupa is basically a dome with a golden spire on the top, this which denotes thirteen steps of enlightenment or nirvana. On the spire eyes of the primordial Adi-Buddha have been painted in all four directions. These believed to be the all-seeing eyes which look out in all the four directions. The massive mandala of Stupa makes it among the largest sphere-shaped Stupas of Nepal.
It is said that the skyline is dominated by the Buddist Stupa of Boudhnath. This ancient stupa is the one site among others in Nepal which is enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After the incursion of a large number of Tibetan refugees from China, there are around 50 Tibetan gompas constructed around the Boudhnath. This site is the most popular site of Kathmandu, Nepal which is visited by almost every tourist coming to Kathmandu, along with Swayambhunath, which is located at the western side of the central Kathmandu.
The merchants of Tibets have come to this shrine, offered prayer and rested here from over many centuries. When Tibetan refugees entered the border of Nepal, they decided to stay here only or around Boudhnath in the year 1950. The stupa is located on the prehistoric trade route entering into Kathmandu Valley by the Sankhu village at northeast corner approaching from Tibet. In ancient times, the stupa passes by stupa of CÄ-bahÄ« along with Boudnath Stupa.
It then turned to the southern direction direct heading toward the Basmati River on the way to Patan- thus crossing the focal city of capital Kathmandu. The stupa is believed to entomb the remnants of the Kasyapa sage, is respectable both to Buddhists as well as Hindus.
The temple vicinity is surrounded by prayer wheels. Every religion have some faiths and believes same are here, it is believed that by turning these wheels your prayer goes up to God. Pilgrims come here and do not leave without turning prayer wheels next time you visit Bodhnath do turn the wheels. Besides prayer wheels, multi coloured prayer flags are also a prominent feature of this temple. And the fluttering flags give very religious look to stupa.
Bodhnath is a center for ethnic Tibetans in Nepal the surrounding area is having Tibetans refugee population. Tibetan pilgrims from all over Nepal and world visit this holy place. The surrounding market is flooded with Tibetan antique pieces and daily house hold items.
Despite tucked away in the middle of the city the place is being reached out by pedestrian path. If you are not aware of what to see you can easily miss the monument. Some pilgrims cover or measure the distance by their own bodies instead of walking they lay down on the path and then reach the stupa. Paths to reach may be different but they all take out to the same destination. This may be the reason that this place is always crowed by people of all religions.
Bodhnath stupa is a symbol of strong faith, deep rooted believes in religious values and Nepal’s rich cultural treasure.
