BLOGBUDDHANATH
3.12.2014
BUDDHANATH
This majestic monument visible from the aircraft, with an area of 6756 m2 is one of the main stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Also called the Stupa of Enlightenment Bodhi Stupa, or Jhyarung Khashyor, thousands of pilgrims visit it every year.
The base of the stupa is built in the form of mandala, composed of three terraces representing the earth. The terraces are supplanted by a dome that represents water, then a tower or Harmina representing fire.
Of the four facades of the Harmina we can see the eyes of Buddha watching us, in all directions, a symbol of wisdom and nirvana.
The crown symbolizes the air. It consists of thirteen stairs that represent the stages of the path to enlightenment.
Then come the lotus, symbol of compassion and purity, the umbrella, symbol of protection and the pinnacle of Mount Sumeru symbol, the king of the mountains, also representing ether.
According to the legend, a humble widow wishing to make an offering to Buddhan asked the king's permission to build it.
The king permitted, with the condition not exceed the size of an ox-hide. The woman cut out the so said skin into pieces, scattered in such a way that the building was the size it is today and was completed after her death by her four children.
According to other sources, its foundation is due to King Licchavi Vrisadeva, about the year 400 AD, or the King Licchavi Manadeva by the end of the 5th century AD.
The stupa was renovated thereafter several times and efforts are busy today to keep it in condition as long as possible.
This is the favourite place wishes for Buddhists, a wish grating jewel, that hears every prayer made during circumambulation and offerings.
The prayers in this place would be protected against madness, concentration problems or paralysis. The touching the Stupa would lead to the right path. Circumambulations would offer the 7 qualities of the higher existence ...
The benefits of the present and future existence are innumerable, hence its high attendance by believers who travel the world to get there.
The Ajima temple lies at its northern side. It is the temple of the wishfulfilling godess.
Several monasteries, about fifty, were built around the Stupa to allow the pilgrims to perform the rituals.
On the south side is the school in which are trained during several years, Thangka painting masters, where you can admire handpainted mandalas and the impressive paintings of Buddhist gods.
