Bouddanath, The Giant Stupa
8029 09/22/2015 Trekking 167 /The history of this biggest stupa of Boudanath dates back to the 14th century and has several interesting legends associated to its construction. Located in Bouddha, a Buddhist dominated faction of Kathmandu city in Nepal, this artistic stupa is not only one of major tourist attractions herein, but is also a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. However, it was after the influx of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, that the site became an important religious hub of Tibetan Buddhism. Today, besides being an important spot for the Buddhist pilgrimage, the Bouddanath also happens to be an ideal place to learn and practice meditation, not only for the Buddhists but also for the people in and out of Nepal who follow other religions.
A glance at the massive stupa and its vicinity
From above, the Bouddnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. And as in all the Tibetan mandalas, this structure is also characterized by five “Buddha Marksâ€; four of the “Dhyani Buddhas†mark the cardinal points, while the fifth, known as “Vairocanaâ€, is enshrined in the center (within the white hemisphere of the stupa). The five Buddhas reflected in the stupa's architecture personify the five vital elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), that make up the human body.
There are other symbolic numbers here as well; the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment. At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. In addition to the five Dhyani Buddhas, the Bouddanath Stupa is closely associated with the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), whose 108 forms are depicted in the sculptures around the base. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa.
The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. These platforms symbolize Earth, and here you can look out at the mountains while listening to the chants of the devout doing kora, walking around the stupa praying.
Next come two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere of the stupa, symbolizing water. As at Swayambunath, Bouddhanath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides.
Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha.
The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment. The triangular shape is the abstract form for the element of fire. At the top of the tower is a gilded canopy, the embodiment of air, with above it a gilded spire, symbolic of ether and the Buddha Vairocana. Prayer flags tied to the stupa flap in the wind; these fluttering prayer flags are believed to thrust the mantras and prayers heavenward.
The main entrance to the upper platform of Bouddanath Stupa is on the north side. Here, Amoghasiddhi, one of the five Dhyani Buddhas, who represents the wisdom of perfect action that antidotes envy and jealousy.
The vicinity of the Bouddanath Stupa appears to be very lively, showcasing the street and nary alleys dotted with colorful homes, monasteries, commuter vehicles and street vendors.
Festivals and Events
During the festival of Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), which generally falls between late January to early February, the Bouddanath hosts the largest religious carnival in Nepal.
Get indulged in the “Close up Kathmandu tour†and know the famed attractions of Kathmandu like you know yourself!
For More Click : http://marrontreks.com/itinerary/139/close-up-kathmandu-tour-05-days
Website Submission FREE !!
Post Website, Add Website, Submit Website OR Add URL in Trekking Directory FREE for Search Engine Marketing.