Boudhanath Stupa - Kathmandu Snapshot
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Snapshots
Hundreds of dove grey pigeons fluttered up, stirred into action by a uniformed man waving his arms and shooing at them only to settle the moment his back was turned.
The pigeons resumed eating the grain being tossed to them by a tourist, these were the true city dwellers, capable of adaptation wherever they went. Cooing softly amongst themselves, they ignored the Pilgrims prostrating themselves before the enormous white domed Boudhanath Stupa.
Ribbons of blue, white, red, green and yellow prayer flags stirred lazily in the light breeze and smoke from the brass tiers of butter candles blended with the spicy fragrance of incense sticks.
On entering the Boudhanath Stupa complex, we’d left behind the incessant noise and activity of the Kathmandu traffic, replaced now by the chit chat of tourists and murmured prayers of the Tibetan and Buddhist Pilgrims and Monks.
Pigeons at Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath or Bouddha Stupa, the largest spherical Stupa in Nepal is located on an ancient trade route from Tibet. For centuries, Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here and when first developed sometime around 600 CE, the main city of Kathmandu did not even exist.
A highly symbolic structure, the square plinth represents the earth, the massive white-washed dome is water, the cube above painted with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha is fire, the golden spire is air and the top is the void beyond space.
The thirteen levels of the spire represent the thirteen stages of spiritual realisation that a human must pass through to achieve enlightenment or Buddhahood.
The dome has lime wash applied to it regularly in order to keep it white and saffron water is used to paint the yellow coloured lotus petal pattern that encircles the dome.
Due to its massive size, the Boudhanath Stupa is easily identifiable when flying into Kathmandu and from many vantage points throughout the city. It’s distinguishable with a glance at Google Maps due to its huge mandala.
Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
There are many different stories and myths behind the construction of the Boudhanath Stupa
Newer Buddhist Mythology
According to the Newer Buddhist history of Nepal, the Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo, constructed the Stupa as an at of penance for unwittingly killing his father, King Vikramaditya.
Tibetan Buddhist Mythology
Alternatively, according to Tibetan Buddhist Mythology, after Kasyapa Buddha’s demise, a poultry keeper with her four sons interred the great sage’s remains on the spot where the Boudhanath Stupa now stands, the latter having been built by the woman herself.
Circumambulating the Boudhanath Stupa in a clockwise direction, Kathmandu
Through the Years
The first Stupa was wrecked by Mughal invaders in the fourteenth century therefore the current Stupa is a relatively more recent construction.
As a consequence of the 1959 Tibetan uprising, a large number of Tibetan refugees migrated to Nepal and settled around Boudhanath and there are now many gompas (Buddhist monasteries) in the immediate surrounds.
As of 1979, Boudha Stupa is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and it remains an important religious site signifying Buddhist culture, tradition and way of life. It’s a must do for all visitors to Kathmandu.
Textile Art Work featuring the Mandala at the Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Vibrant and Colourful Space
The Stupa sits within a circular courtyard, surrounded by shops, restaurants, Tibetan monasteries and guest houses.
We admired stunning textile art representing a dizzying array of mandalas, there were brass healing bowls, iconology and trinkets spilling out onto the steps of the shops and the huge sacks of red, yellow and green spices ready to be made into incense sticks delighted our senses.
Having already visited the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple and Durbar Square we were ready for refreshments and our guide, Krishna Acharya from Himalayan Recreation and Treks led the way to a second floor restaurant where we could enjoy lunch while being watched over by the all seeing Buddha’s eyes on the Boudhanath Stupa.
Enjoying a cup of tea, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
I enjoyed a cup of black tea, looking out across the Boudhanath Stupa as Krishna verbally guided us through centuries of history and mythology.
Our traditional Nepalese lunch of noodles, vegetables and chicken were gratefully eaten, more than enough to keep us going for the afternoon which was to include a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple.
Traditional lunch at a Boudhanath Stupa Restaurant, Kathmandu
Best Time to Visit Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is open daily for twenty four hours however at dawn and dusk, you’re more likely to experience the Tibetan and Buddhist Pilgrims praying as they circle the Stupa in a clockwise direction. It’s believed by circumambulating in a clockwise direction, you align with the natural forces.
During the Buddhist Festival, Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February or March, Boudhanath hosts the largest celebration in Nepal. This is a time of reflection, purification and joyful festivities.
While the complex may be crowded at times, it has a peaceful aura with tourists making way for the Pilgrims and Monks chanting mantras.
Pilgrims and Tourists, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Where is Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is located on the north eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. It’s about eleven kilometres from central Kathmandu, an eleven minute drive from the Tribhuvan International Airport and a twelve minute taxi ride from Thamel, the thriving tourist centre in the heart of Kathmandu.
Given Kathmandu’s notorious traffic jams, you may like to allow more time.
Spice Sacks and Incense, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley Tour
On our guided Kathmandu Valley Tour we’ll introduce you to the mysterious charm of this ancient city, exploring hidden treasures, retracing ancient history, seeking out four UNESCO sites while immersing ourselves in Nepal’s rich spiritual traditions.
The one day Tour includes a visit to the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple along with Durbar Square, a major hub of the city, the Pashupatinath Temple which is an important Hindu pilgrimage site and the Boudhanath Stupa, another site of great historical and religious importance.
This day makes for an excellent introduction to Kathmandu and the Nepalese culture and religions. We’ve included it with many of our trekking tours however you can also take part in the city tour without joining the longer trekking tours.
Freewheeling Kiwi has partnered with Himalayan Recreation and Treks to help you create lifetime memories in the Himalayas.
Find out how you can join a Group Trip hosted by Sharon, Founder of Freewheeling Kiwi HERE.
If the date of our next trip doesn’t work for you, we can sort out an alternative date that aligns with your preferences. CONTACT Sharon directly to book your preferred dates.
Related Vlog
Kathmandu Valley Tour 1 Minute Video
Planning a trip to Nepal
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