Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in
Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center
of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is
located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
History of Boudhanath Stupa
Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the
Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons
for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the
1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers
of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and
meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular
tourist site.
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or
diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. And as in all Tibetan mandalas, four of the
Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points, with the fifth, Vairocana, enshrined
in the center (in the white hemisphere of the stupa). The five Buddhas also personify
the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), which are represented in
the stupa's architecture.
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, or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name.
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, Boudhanath Stupa is closely associated with the Bodhisattva
Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), whose 108 forms are depicted in 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 Swayabunath, Bodnath 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 flutter in the wind, carrying
mantras and prayers heavenward.
The main entrance to the upper platform of Bodnath Stupa is
on the north side. Here Amoghasiddhi, progenitor of the future Buddha,
presides. Below Amoghasiddhi is the Buddha Maitreya, the future Buddha.
Surrounding Boudhanath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys
lined with colorful homes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and street vendors.