Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. It is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. Often called the “Great Stupa’, it’s the most sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet and is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is an important site of pilgrimage, meditation and tourism.
(Courtesy Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka and Wikimedia)
While the precise history of the stupa is not known, Bodnath was probably originally built in the 5th century. The current structure is thought to date to the 14th century. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become an important important site for Tibetan Buddhism.
(Courtesy Nabin K. Sapkota and Wikimedia)
In April 2015 an earthquake badly damaged the Stupa, cracking the spire. As a result, the top of the structure had to be removed and repaired. It was reopened in November 2016.
(Courtesy of Harry Paudyal and Wikimedia)
The Stupa is quite large, and worth walking around. The eyes — representing Buddha’s gaze — are typical of Nepalese stupas and are quite captivating as they seem to follow you.
The structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
