Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sitting at 36 meters high, the site is absolutely magical, with symbols and interesting energies to be found at every turn.

While there, light a butter lamp and walk around the structure. I recommend coming here either very early in the morning or later at night, when you can truly see all the lights illuminated and feel the very distinct energies.

As you can see, our trip to this temple was a wet one. I found myself dodging raindrops while trying to keep photo equipment dry since I’m horrible at remembering to bring an umbrella.

I luckily found a dry spot under an awning across the street so I could watch the tourists and locals walk clockwise around the Stupa, spinning the prayer wheels as they passed.

Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal

About the Boudhanath Stupa

Located 11 kilometers from Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest Buddhist Stupas and is located on what was once an important trade route from Tibet. A UNESCO heritage site, there are many myths and legends surrounding the construction of the Stupa, but it is said that the Stupa that exists today was built in the 14th century after the death of a Buddha, which built over a much older one.

What is essentially a large monument for meditation and worship, the Boudhanath Stupa is a site of pilgrimage for Buddhists, and symbolizes the collective mind of all Buddhas. The structure itself is also entirely symbolic, with a plinth representing earth, the tower representing fire, the spire representing air, and the dome representing water. Further to that, there are thirteen planes on the spire that represent the levels humans have to conquer to get to Nirvana.

To fully appreciate the Boudhanath Stupa, walk clockwise around it and either take in the magical architecture or meditate while doing so.

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