Bouddhanath stupa is seven KM east of the downtown Kathmandu. It is Nepal’s most distinetive monuments. Simple, massiveand powerful, it rise above the number of buildings, the painted eyes gazing solemuly over the countryside. Stupas are essential to Buddhism as the cross is to christianity a tangible symbol of the Buddha’s enlight end mind. With a diameter exceeding 100 meters and a wall to wall length roughly equaling a football field, Bouddha is among the largest stupa in the world certainly the biggest in Nepal. The monument rises 36 meters above the street. The form and the alternated squares and circles represents a three dimensional mandala, which is comprised of abstract religious concepts. Every portation has symbolic significance the base dome, square harmika, spire, and pinnacle represent the five elements the 13 tiers of the spire stand for the stages to enlightment, while the umbrella atop is the symbol of royalty.
Bouddhanath is both an eye of calm within capitals dusty pandemonium and a sancutary of Tibetan Buddhist culture a mid a nation dominated by NepalHindus. Throughout its narrow streets, You can see posters of smiling Dalai Lama, Tibetan folk medicine stores, traditional astisans workshops, and restaurants serving everything from yak-cheese to everest brand beer.
The painted, bow-shaped eyes of Bouddhanath are variously described as mysterious, indifferent compassioinate and knowing the Buddhist stupa of Bouddhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient stupa is one of the largest from china has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas ( Monastery) around Bouddhanath. As of 1979, Bouddhanath is a UNESCO world heritage site. Along with swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.
