Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most popular sites in Nepal. It is the centre of attraction for both tourists and pilgrims. It is situated in the suburbs of Kathmandu city towards the east of the city. It can be seen from different places because it comprises about 36 meters height.
It is believed that Boudhanath was actually built for the route to tibet so that people can do trade. It was the place where ancient merchants used to stop and pray. It is believed that it dates back almost to the 5th century AD.
There is a myth that the place was donated by a king. A woman who used to work and she was promised by the King that he would give a piece of land that is almost equal to the skin of a buffalo. Meanwhile,the skin of a buffalo was cut by the women into very tiny and thin stripes and she spanned them over a vast area in the form of a circle. Consequently the kind had no option and granted the land to the women for the sake of building the requested stupa. Now this is called Boudhanath.
The eyes of Buddha are kept with different symbols . One , a Nepali number, is painted between the eyes and its symbol is unity. A third eye which is present above other eyes symbolizes wisdom. There is a pyramid having 13 steps which represents the path towards enlightenment. This pyramid is actually topped by using some gilded spire and gilded canopy as well. The prayer flags of the Buddhists are present all around the stupa. They are very colorful with prayers and chants which have been printed on them, to heaven.
There are the representations of almost one hundred and eight forms of the Avalokiteshvara around the stupa. This is closely related to the Boudha. The mantra of the Avalokiteshvara is also carved on the prayer wheels that are present around the stupa.
You can visit anytime like morning , afternoon and evening. If you are busy , you can visit at dusk. At this time , there will be hundreds of devotees who walk in the clockwise direction around this stupa and perform kora. The devotees also spin the praying wheels while they pass by these wheels with prayers. Many of them walk around the stupa making the way slower and prostrating on the ground.