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Nicole's
Travelogues and Budget Travel Tips..
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BAUDDHANATH, NEPAL
When I first got to Bauddhanath, it seemed like any other street in the Kathmandu area (photo above). But then you get closer to the entrance, pay at the entrance booth, and catch a glimpse of the top of the stupa. As you walked through the gateway, it was like entering another world. The Tibetan Incantations CD was amplified over loud speakers, monks were chanting, and the skies were filled with hundreds of prayer flags.
It is made out of construction materials like mud, bricks, lime stone, metal and wood. There are a total of 735 metal prayer wheels fixed into its 147 cabinet like chambers. Each prayer wheel contains the popular Buddhist Mantra “OM MANI PADME HUMN” embossed on them in the Newari script.
Each side has the sketches of the pairs of eyes along with the question marks which are dome very artistically. Ti is said that with these ever cautious eyes the lord beholds every happening constantly with a very keen attention and so nothing is secret to him.
Bauddhanath was fantastic! I can't put in words what it looked like or felt like to be there. I stayed for 2 hours and could have easily spent more time there. It's one of my favorite places in the world!
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This stupa is also known as Bauddha Nath, Boudhanath, Budhanath, and Bodhanath. Entrance Fee: 100Rs
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On the eastern site of Kathmandu city is Bauddhanath, which is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. 
To the top of the stupa dome, a square HARMIKA has been erected facing all cardinal directions. 
Now, a complete town has developed around Bauddhanath. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, souvenier shops, and restaurants surround Bauddhanath and everyone travels in clockwise motion even on the street surrounding the stupa. You can climb the steps up the mound and sit and relax and pray.
