Mar 8, 2015
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.Paul, Yorick, Michael and I visited this stupa last on our blitz Kathmandu day. It was the perfect ending to the super long day. We saw the sunset and there was some sort of even happening. We weren't allowed to go up the steps because it was sectioned off for the event but seeing all the buddhists walking around and chanting was something special to behold.
When we got there we were immediately swept into joining the throngs of people walking around the bottom of the stupa. We basically just let it happen. You couldn't go against it. It was kinda fun. We went up as high as we were allowed, took some photos and enjoyed the sun setting on the stupa.
"From above the Stupa looks like a giant mandala or a diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. Four of the Dhyani Buddhas mark the cardinal points with the fifth enshrined in the center. The five Buddhas also personify the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). The nine levels of the Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru (center of the cosmos) and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment.
The stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall with frescoes in the niches. There are 108 forms depicted in sculptures around the base. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. These platforms symbolize Earth. Then there are two circular plinths supporting the hemisphere of the stupa, symbolizing water. Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the Buddha eyes on all four sides.
Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha.
The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment. The triangular shape is the abstract form for the element of fire. At the top of the tower is a gilded canopy, the embodiment of air, with above it a gilded spire, symbolic of ether and the Buddha Vairocana. Prayer flags tied to the stupa flutter in the wind, carrying mantras and prayers heavenward."
