Boudhanath Stupa is one of the important Buddhist monuments located in the northeastern part of Kathmandu. The stupa structures a huge white dome, the watchful eyes of Buddha, 13 gilded steps to enlightenment, and a golden spire. This Sacred religious site is one of the most iconic Buddhist stupas in the world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 A.D.
For centuries, the Boudhanath has held sacred value and importance for Tibetans and Buddhists worldwide. Newars, the Indigenous ethnic group of the Kathmandu Valley, regards the sacred site as Khasti Chaitya according to their historical and cultural narratives. Boudhanath stupa is honored as an important ritual, festival, and Buddhist pilgrimage throughout the centuries.
This blog explains the history, significance, and cultural insights of the Boudhanath stupa. Also, we describe the monasteries of four different traditions, festivals, and events in the Boudhanath.
The Historical Background Of Boudhanath Stupa
The sacred Blodhanath stupa is believed to have been constructed by Licchavi king Śivadeva (c. 590–604 CE) according to the Licchhavi record, Gopālarājavaṃśāvalī. However, the Chronicles of the Newars suggests that the iconic stupa was founded by King Vrisadeva (c. 400 CE) or Vikramjit.
Meanwhile, the Tibetan records mention a widow named Jhazima requested land from the king to build a small chaitya in honor of Buddha which later grew to a huge size due to her merit act. Tibetan Buddhists consider the story as a representation of compassion and positive merit or karma.
The site’s diverse history and importance to various communities are reflected by various texts and records. Over the ages, Boudhanath transformed from a small structure into a magnificent stupa in the shape of a mandala, being an important landmark for Buddhism.
Cultural Significance Of Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath stupa, also known as Khāsa Chaitya or Khasti Maha chaitya in Newari and Jarung Khashor or Lhundrup Tsek in Tibetan, is one of the major spiritual landmarks. The holy stupa represents the enlightened mind of all the Buddhas and is considered one of the important religious Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Regarded by various Buddhist practitioners and often by Hindus, the UNESCO World Heritage site holds significant cultural values. Its cultural significances are described further below:
1. Spiritual Pilgrimage Center
The holy Boudhanath Stupa holds deep spiritual values and cultural significance. Many devotees and Buddhist practitioners visit the sacred site to perform Kora, a ritual circling the stupa. The holy site also holds sacred relics and is believed to have the “Finger Bone of Lord Buddha,” making it a significant site that enhances spirituality and blessings. Practitioners and devotees spin prayer wheels, offer butter lamps, and chant mantras to attain spiritual clarity and purify karma.
2. Tibetan Culture Preservation
Boudhanath stupa has been one of the major religious and cultural sites that has been protecting Tibetan cultures and practices for decades. It provided refuge to thousands of Tibetan refugees after 1959 and led to the flourishment of many Tibetan monasteries and religious sites near the stupa. The sacred pilgrimage has been promoting Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug traditions. It has protected the identity of Tibetan rituals, arts, languages, and traditions for centuries.
3. Architectural Heritage
Reflecting the architectural masterpiece of Newars and Tibetan craftsmanship, the massive mandala-based structure of the stupa represents the local and Tibetan architectural heritage. The symbolic representation of Buddha’s eyes, the 13th step of enlightenment, and the golden spire connect art with spiritual and cultural heritage. It is not only an important religious and spiritual monument, but also one of the largest stupas in the world that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 A.D.
4. Community Life
The sacred Buddhist site displays communal harmony and a multicultural neighborhood. People form diverse communities, such as Newars, Sherpas, monks, Tibetan refugees, and Nepalese Hindu inhabitants, or visit the area where they coexist with mutual respect and shared values. People from various communities visit and gather in the area to light lamps for blessing, to feel the serene environment, and to know the importance of the area.
Structural and Design Highlights of Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath stupa holds unique architectural structures and designs representing Buddhist cosmology. It carries spiritual meaning and reflects the path towards enlightenment. The structural and design representation of the beautiful stupa represents Buddha’s spiritual teaching and his enlightened mind. Some of the major structural and design highlights of the Boudhanath stupa are discussed below:
1. Massive Mandala Structure
Made with a massive mandala structure, the Boudhanath stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. The mandala design represents the symbolic representation of the universe and the interconnection of all things in Buddhism. Its circular dome and square base symbolize harmony and balance between earth and cosmos that guide practitioners towards spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
2. Whitewashed Dome
The whitewashed dome of the Boudhanath stupa also called the Anda(अण्ड) in Sanskrit, represents the limitless compassion of Buddha and the boundlessness of the universe. Its smooth round structure represents water elements and a spiritual womb that holds relics. The massive white dome is visually striking and promotes a sense of peace and calming vibrations.
3. All-Seeing Eyes of Buddha
In the top square base part of the stupa, also known as the “Harmika”, the symbolic eyes of Buddha are painted. The eye is painted in all four directions, representing the Buddha’s eye of wisdom and compassion. It symbolizes the all-seeing ability of Buddha. In between the eyes, the spiral shape represents the nose of Buddha that represents Nirvana.
4. Thirteen Steps to Enlightenment
Above the square base part, the thirteen steps golden tier structures of the stupa represent thirteen steps to enlightenment. The steps represent the spiritual development stages that a Buddhist practitioner must pass to attain Buddhahood. It is believed that passing all thirteen steps liberates one from samsara and gets Nirvana.
5. Prayer Flags and Wheels
The prayer flag and wheels increase the beauty and spiritual essence of the holy Buddhist site. These flags consist of five different colors including blue representing sky, white representing air, red representing water, green representing water, and yellow representing the earth. While the 5 colored flag flutters in the wind, they carry mantras with the air and spread their blessings. Similarly, the prayer wheels placed at the circular edge of the stupa are inscribed with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum.” Devotees and practitioners spin them during kora to gain blessing and compassion.
6. Central Spire (Gajur)
Gajur, or the central spire, crowns the stupa and symbolizes the spiritual summit. The golden color spire crafted with unique patterns and design enhances the beauty of the iconic Buddhist stupa. It represents the symbolic connection between heavenly and earthly realms. The shining of the gajur, or central spire, reflects the Buddha’s wisdom and enlightenment. Additionally, it also represents the beacon of peace to the world.
Monasteries Of the Four Traditions In Boudhanath
The holy Boudhanath is not only a sacred religious site but is also home to various Buddhist monasteries. You can visit monasteries that represent four traditions such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug in the Boudhanath area. These monasteries hold ancient traditions, host daily rituals, and are cultural and educational centers for monks and practitioners.
1. Jhamchen Lhakhang
Jhamchen Lhakhang monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Boudanath that belongs to the Sakya tradition. It was established in 1985 by Chobgye Trichen, one of the influential Sakya gurus at the time. The Jhamchen Lhakhang carries spiritual values and is one of the important centers for the Sakya school’s teachings. Featuring traditional Tibetan architecture and paintings, the statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Guru Rinpoche are worshipped in the monastery. Regular pujas, ritual ceremonies, meditations, and teaching practices are carried out in the Jhamchen Lhakhang monastery regularly.
2. Dilyak Yebam (Pairi Tahsi Migyur Dorje Gyaltsen Ling)
The Dilyak Yebam monastery, located near Boudhanath stupa, was constructed in 1966 by Master Dazang Ngeden Chhoeki Ngima Palsangpo. While the monastery belongs to the Kagyu tradition, it emphasizes Dzogchen practices, meditation retreats, and Dzogchen traditions. Also known as Dhapsang Monastery of the Thousand Buddhas, its traditional architecture and peaceful environment give the visitor a glimpse into the philosophical atmosphere of Kagyu tradition.
3. Guru Lhakhang Monastery
Located on the northern side of Boudhanath stupa, the Guru Lhakhang monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries that follow the Nyingma tradition. The monastery is named after Guru Marmen Lhakhang and is often called the Tamang Monastery of Boudhanath. This monastery has a huge prayer wheel, and a bell in the entrance and is one of the most visited monasteries in the area due to its presence in a prime location. The beautiful statue of Amitabha Buddha, Arya Avalokiteshwara, and Guru Padma Sambhava is the main attraction of this monastery.
4. Samtenling Monastery
Samtenling Monastery is one of the oldest and first monasteries to be established in the Boudhanath area. The Samtenling monastery follows the Gelug tradition and is located on the eastern side of the stupa. It has artistic paintings on the roof and walls. Lamas and practitioners recite mantras in separate spaces within the monastery, making it a vital spiritual center around the stupa. The Samtenling Monastery provides monastery education from kindergarten through eighth grade to young monks.
Festivals And Events At Boudhanath
Boudhanath stupa is not only the sacred site of daily spiritual practice but it is also the vibrant center for cultural festivals and events. Various festivals and cultural events are celebrated there throughout the year. Some of the key festivals and events celebrated in the Boudhanath area are:
1. Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of Baisakh every year at Boudhanath. This day is celebrated, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha. On holy occasions, devotees light butter lamps, chant mantras, and offer prayers at Boudhanath. The stupa is decorated with new prayer flags, flowers, and butter lamps on the day of Buddha Jayanti.
2. Chechyu Puja
Chechyu puja is celebrated on the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. On the day of Chechyu puja devotees gather at the Boudhanath stupa and perform traditional masks and musical dance while offering prayer to guru Padmasambhava. Chechyu puja is a ritual activity done to purify negative karma. This festival draws a gathering of devotees, Buddhist practitioners, and monks in the area.
3. Mamla Jatra
Mamla jatra is also known as Boudha Ajima jatra celebrated in honor of Mamo Puska Siddhi, often called Chhwaskaamuni Aji, a guardian deity of Boudhanath. Celebrated on the day of Maghi Purnima, the idol of Mam Ajima from Ajima temple is carried in palanquins around the area. On this day, the traditional music processions, ritual offerings, and masked dances are performed according to Newar Buddhist tradition.
4. Temal Jatra
Temal jatra is one of the important religious and cultural ceremonies celebrated by the Tamang communities from the Temal area of Kavrepalanchowk district. The Temal jatra is celebrated for 3 days by offering butter lamps, prayers, singing traditional songs, and circumambulating the stupa to remember their ancestors.
5. Tibetan New Year
The Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is among one of the important and most vibrant cultures celebrated at the Boudanath area. On the occasion of the Tibetan New Year, monks perform cham dances, ceremonial offerings, and purification rituals. Participants gather together in traditional attire while offering khata scarves exchanging blessings and lighting incense to welcome the new year with positivity.
Conclusion
Boudhanath Stupa symbolizes peace, spiritual enlightenment, and cultural harmony. Rooted in various cultures and traditions, Boudhanath is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its huge white dome structure, the watchful eyes of Buddha, the 13 gilded steps to enlightenment, and various festivals further strengthen the spiritual value of the Boudhanath stupa. Whether you’re a devoted practitioner, a cultural explorer, or a mindful traveler, visiting Boudhanath Stupa offers a unique opportunity to witness the living heritage of Buddhism and the profound cultural diversity of Nepal.
In this blog, we explained the history, significance, and cultural insights of the Boudhanath stupa. Also, the monasteries of four different traditions, festivals, and events in the Boudhanath area are explained. For more information regarding similar religious and cultural sites in Nepal, visit our other blog at Nirvana Mala.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Boudhanath Stupa famous for?
Boudhanath stupa is famous for being one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Its huge structures include a white dome, the watchful eyes of Buddha, the 13 gilded steps to enlightenment, monasteries, and various festivals celebrated in the area throughout the year.
2. What is the symbol of the Boudhanath Stupa?
The holy Boudhanath stupa symbolizes awakening, peace, and harmony. Its white dome represents compassion, and the watchful eye of Buddha on four sides represents the awareness and wisdom of Buddha. Meanwhile, the 13-step spire symbolizes the path to enlightenment.
3. What 5 elements does the stupa represent?
Boudhanath stupa represents 5 elements according to Buddhist cosmology, which includes earth, water, fire, air, and space. Earth is represented why the square base of the stupa, while a dome represents water. Similarly, fire is represented by harmika and spire. In addition, the air is represented by circular parasols above the harmika, and a pinnacle above the stupa represents space.