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This
is a huge Buddhist stupa located about 7 km east of Kathmandu. It stands
on a massive mandala style platform and has features similar to the Swayambhunath.
It is said that this stupa was built during the 5th century A.D. Every
year, in winter, thousands of pilgrims from neighboring countries come
to visit this place.
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high
stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Bouddhanath
Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandala
design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.
The stupa is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where
Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries. When
refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around
Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around Bouddhanath.
The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both
to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa
monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.
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| Boudhanath Stupa |
Lord Buddha |
Boudhanath Stupa
in the Evening |
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