Bodhnath Travel Guide
Pilgrims and Prayer Flays
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Bodhnath, the most important Buddhist stupa in Nepal and indeed one of the most important outside Tibet. The sublime white dome of Bodhnath decorated with fluttering multi-coloured prayer-flags never fails to inspire first-time and indeed repeat visitors to Kathmandu. Surrounded by gompas – Tibetan Buddhist monasteries – and shops pilgrims come here on bended knee, prostrating themselves all the way from Tibet such is its importance.
The stupa’s real age is unknown but most scholars put it at around 800 years old, with it being likely that a stupa was on the site even earlier. Stupa’s are built to hold holy relics and it is said that Bodhnath holds a bone of the Buddha himself.
The dome sits on tiers of squares, representing the earth. The dome itself represents the water. The golden spire that surmounts the dome rises in 13 levels representing the 13 stages to attain nirvana whilst the spire itself symbolizes fire. On each of the four sides of the square base of the spire are the all watchful eyes of the Buddha whilst finally the “umbrella” represents air.
Surrounding the base are numerous prayer wheels and pilgrims circumambulate or prostrate themselves as they walk clockwise around the base and a visit is an amazing experience even for non-Buddhists.
Activities in Bodhnath
It is highly recommended to visit the site with a knowledgeable guide as Buddhism is composed of much symbolism, legend and is a complicated subject matter. A visit should ideally take around 3 hours, time allowing, which will allow an exploration of the site and an opportunity to relax and take in the atmosphere.
Relaxing
Enjoy the atmosphere by finding a quiet spot on the large stupa base or perhaps in one of the café-restaurants that overlook the site.
Getting Around
Bodhnath is a long walk from Kathmandu so a visit by taxi or with a drier-guide is recommended. Once there the site is compact enough to explore on foot.
Bodhnath Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
