Buddhist shrines, also known as stupas, are sacred places of worship for followers of Buddhism. A stupa is a type of Buddhist monument that typically consists of a dome-shaped structure built to house sacred relics, such as the ashes of a deceased person or other religious artifacts. Stupas are found throughout the Buddhist world, and they are often seen as symbols of the Buddha's enlightenment and the teachings of Buddhism.
The design of a stupa can vary depending on the region and the specific cultural and architectural traditions of the place where it is located. However, many stupas feature several key elements, such as a central dome, a spire or umbrella-like structure on top, and a base with four sides that may be adorned with reliefs or other decorative elements. Stupas may also have a circumambulation path around the base, which is used for ritual circumambulation or "pradakhshina."
Buddhist shrines come in many different styles, reflecting the architectural and cultural traditions of the region in which they are located. Some must visit Buddhist Shrines in Nepal are as follows:
Lumbini
Lumbini is a famous Buddhist shrine in Nepal which is the birthplace of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. It is a World Heritage site and attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually. Lumbini includes the Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and several foreign-funded monasteries, such as the Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery, Myanmar Golden Monastery, Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery, and Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple, which showcase different nations' architectural styles, histories, and traditions.
Swayambhu
Swayambhu Stupa is a significant Buddhist shrine in Nepal that originated from a lotus flower in the Kathmandu valley, according to legend. It was built in 460 by King Manadeva and is located on a hill in western Kathmandu. The complex houses chaityas, statues, and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities and is a World Heritage site. The stupa is also known for its beautiful views of Kathmandu.
Boudha
Bouddha is a popular Buddhist shrine located in Kathmandu and built in the 14th century by a Lichhavi king. It contains the relics of Kassapa Buddha, has a mandala-style construction, and is a World Heritage site. It has two wisdom eyes, a unity-symbolizing nose, and a 13-level spire representing the stages of achieving nirvana. The shrine also has prayer wheels that are said to purify karma and remove negative energy.
Ramagram
Ramgram is a significant Buddhist site located in Nawalparasi district. It is believed to contain one of the eight relics of the Buddha, which were divided after his death in Kushinagar, India. According to legend, Emperor Ashoka attempted to relocate the relics by dividing them into thousands of pieces and placing them in various stupas but was unable to open the one at Ramgram due to its protection by serpent kings. As a result, Ramgram is thought to be the only stupa still containing the relics of the Buddha and is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Seto Gumba
Seto Gumba, also known as White Monastery or Druk Amitabha Mountain, is a famous Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery located on a hill in northwestern Kathmandu. It features murals, statues, and paintings and was closed for maintenance after the 2015 earthquake, but is now open to the public on Sundays. Seto Gumba, which stands at an altitude of 1,500 meters, offers beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset, and is a popular spot for photography and learning about Buddhism, meditation, and Tibetan architecture.
Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha is a holy Buddhist site located approximately 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu in Kavrepalanchok. It is home to the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Tibetan Buddhist monastery, founded in the 20th century by the 9th Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. The site is also home to a stupa that is said to contain the remains of a prince who was an incarnation of the Buddha and later reincarnated as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini. The story of the prince dates back to the time of King Maharath and his three sons, one of whom offered himself as food to a hungry tigress and her cubs. Namo Buddha is a popular destination for pilgrimage and small hikes.
