Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Boudha Stupa, stands tall as one of the largest and most spiritual Buddhist pilgrimage site in the World. Situated in the heart of bustling capital city of kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is surrounded by vibrant atmosphere, monasteries, shops, prayer wheels and rich culture.
The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest spherical stupa in the World, including a vast mandala of 6,756 square metres, with a dome height of 141.16 feet and an area of one hectare. One of the most important tourist sites in the Kathmandu Valeey, the Boudhanath Stupa was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
With a long past architectural grandeur and great spiritual importance, Boudhanath Stupa is not just a monument; it is also a living symbol of Nepal's cultural and religious heritage. People who live near this lovely stupa are considered lucky since they are said to be free of hunger, starvation, and other misfortunes.
Tour Highlight:
- Tibetan Monasteries and Culture: The Boudhanath area is surrounded with different Tibetan monasteries where you can observe traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals, art, and architecture. If you are lucky enough, you can even witness monks chanting and performing vibrant ceremonial dances.
- Buddha’s Eye: The stupa shows the eyes of the Lord Buddha. There are four pairs of large eyes looking out from the four corners of the Stupa. It represents the eye of wisdom and these are the Buddha eyes of wisdom. The spiral between the eyes, and absence of nose, represents the unity and integrity of the universe.
- Participation in the rituals: You can participate in the spiritual practices lighting the lamp filled with ghee, making offering and participate in meditation inside the complex of Stupa. Participating in these rituals connects you with the spiritual core of the Stupa.
- Circumambulation (Kora): Performing circumambulation of the temple or Kora is one of the most important activities that visitors involve in. Turing the prayer wheel chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum" purifies the mind and gives a deep feeling of peace.
- Rooftop Cafes and Views: You can get a panoramic view of the Stupa while enjoying a sip of Tibetan butter tea or traditional Nepali tea. The view of Stupa during sunrise and sunset are enchanting. The fairy lighting and peaceful environment in the evening enhances deep thought & concentration.
- Shopping for Souvenirs: Shopping around the Boudhanath Stupa is one thing that you should not miss. Boudhanath Stupa is also a popular shopping hub for visitors. The beautiful Thanga painting, prayer flag, handmade jewelery, singing bowls, handmade hippi clothes grabs your eyeballs.
Overview of the Tour:
Dating back to the fifth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site site offers a unique journey into the spiritual heart of Nepal. The Boudhanath Stupa serves as the focal point for Tibetan Buddhist culture and spirituality offering an extraordinary combination of cultural immersion, architectural splendour, and peaceful spiritual energy.
Your journey begins with an awe-inspiring view of the Stupa. As you enter the Boudhanath Gate you will get to see people chanting mantras, people operating prayer wheels, and flapping prayer flags. Walking around this spiritual site is both relaxing and profoundly enlightening.
This Great Stupa is also called the Stupa of enlightenment and religious, cultural and archeologically very important Buddhist site in the World. The structural design of the Stupa represents the five elements that include earth, water, air, fire and ether that are essential for getting enlightened according to the Buddhist philosophy.
Encircling the stupa you will see Tibetan handicrafts, thangka paintings, handmade jewelery, and singing bowls in the left side. While walking around, you are suggested to perform Kora while you encircle the Stupa chanting the Buddhist mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”.
You will get to get a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist rituals and art as you visit “Shechen Monastery” and “Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery” while encircling the Stupa. The view of Stupa from these monasteries is more wonderful. You can also offer prayers and lite the lamp filled with ghee.
You will also get to visit Ajima temple, a temple of Goddess Mamo Pukasi. Located to the north of Great Boudha Stupa, the temple of Goddess Mamo Pukasi is known as the wish-fulfilling goddess. Your tour also includes visit to historical pound & Ghyilisang Peace Park near the Stupa.
Final Words:
A tour to Boudhanath Stupa is more than just sightseeing as the tour connects you to Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The tour allows you to participate in prayings, offerings, observe monks perform chants and get into deeper spiritual engagement for spiritual seekers.
This tour provides a beautiful connection between ancient tradition and rituals with the modern society for curious travelers and history enthusiasts. So, pack your bags and move your steps forward to the mystical world of Boudhanath Stupa.