An important Buddhist site, the Bouddhanath Stupa is about twice the size of the Sanchi Stupa (Sanchi stupa was built by emperor Ashoka, and is often regarded as a benchmark in Buddhist stupa construction), and is erected over a special mandala called the Shree Yantra or Bhupur Yantra. The Bouddhanath Stupa, unlike Swoyambhu which is wrapped around the hill, has a distinct three tired plinth (Bhupur Yantra), with small chaityas at the terraces. Atop the plinth is the white washed dome, crowned by a Harmika and finished by a square thirteen level gilt finial and a gilt gajur. The Bouddhanath Stupa does not have any alcoves or chapels housing the Tathagatas or Taras, but there are small niches at the base of the stupa with different images of Buddha. Also present in the brick wall around the stupa are 147 niches each having 4 to 5 prayer wheels, with the immortal inscription ‘om mani padme hum’. There are many legends regarding the construction of the Stupa. Some claim that the Lichhavi King Mandev, when he was the Crown Prince, killed his father, and in penance built the stupa. Others claim that the stupa was erected with the relics of a lama from Tibet who died during pilgrimage to Nepal. Nonetheless, the local belief is that the stupa was constructed sometime during the Lichhavi era and that it took 12 years for completion. Another notable aspect of the stupa is the fact that there is a very heavy influence of Tibetan Buddhism in Bouddhanath, with the all around presence of prayer wheels, decorations, and flags.
0 comments:
Post a Comment