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Heritage Tour
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Boudhanath
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Buddhist site: Boudhanath - Bodhnath Stupa

The great chaitya of Baudha, locally known as Khasti or Khasau, is the largest Buddhist shrine of Nepal and one of the biggest stupas of the world. The exact date of the construction of this 40 metre high stupa is not known. Its location away from the ancient city of Kathmandu indicates that either the place was chosen as s trade route to Tibet, or it was also a part of ancient city of Deupatan or the dicision must have been guided by some tantric principles.

It is believed that the Mandeva Ist was the one who built the stupa after unknowingly having killed his father, when the stone water spout of Narayanhiti was built. The Gopal Rajbanchabali gives credit of making this stupa to Shivadeva the First, who ruled Nepal in around 590-604 AD.

The archaeologists believe that the main stupa of Baudha has been reconstructed by various persons, who added more circles to the amin sacred and original stupa to decorate it and make it huge. They also believe that some important inscriptions and idols indicative of the age of the stupa might be hidden in the periphery.

Bodhnaths's Details
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The present stupa is standing on almost 7,000 square metre foundation.
It is setup with 12 corner-shaped mandala with three steps and on the top lises the simple but massive dome.
The dome is ciculated by 108 small idols of Mahayani Buddhist deities.
The dome is crowen with the cubic shape with two eyes on each side.
Unlike other Nepali stupas, it has 13 layers, representing the 13 Bhuwanas to Nirvana-path, in square shape.
The small staircase attatched with a chain can lead a person to the golden pinnacle, which is under the decorated umbrellas, also circulated by a five-colour fringe.
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more information and pictures
Photos Bodhnath Festivals in Nepal Bodhnath's Stupa
Kathmandu Valley: Bodhnath Gallery
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Earthquake in Nepal
25 April 2015 M 7.8 Earthquake in Nepal
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