Bouddhanath – The First UNESCO Heritage to Stand Tall

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and the holiest Buddhist shrines, was left in ruins by the 2015 earthquakes. The golden spire above the dome was severely damaged. Structural cracks ran deep into the ancient steeple, leading engineers to dismantle it for safety. This was a sad sight for locals and tourists alike. But not anymore — renovation has restored Boudhanath’s former glory.

Initiative and Funding

The renovation was spearheaded by the Boudhanath Area Development Committee (BADC), which collected NPR 30 million from its members and NPR 142.2 million from domestic and foreign donors. The restored Stupa has already increased tourism activity in the Boudhanath area.

Boudhanath Stupa is likely the first quake-hit heritage site to be renovated. Donations primarily came from Buddhist groups and volunteers. This restoration has put pressure on the government to urgently rebuild other damaged heritage sites, which is crucial to preserve Nepal’s culture, tradition, and aesthetic value. It also plays an important role in revitalizing the tourism sector — one of Nepal’s largest foreign currency earners.

Renovation Details

Local and international donors contributed over US$ 2 million for the renovation. The pinnacle structure includes 31 kilograms of gold, symbolizing 13 steps that represent the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology, traditional construction techniques were employed throughout the restoration to ensure that the new parts are indistinguishable from the original. Even the mortar was made conventionally by burning old bricks and grinding them into powder.

After renovation, purification rituals were performed for four days. The inaugural ceremony was attended by religious leaders and ambassadors from various countries. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal officially inaugurated the renovated Stupa on November 22. Prior to this, the Prana-Prathistha — an infusion of life — rituals were conducted on November 20. These rituals are believed to bring divine energy to the Stupa and bless those who circumambulate it.

Further Insights

Jigmi, a local leader, described the renovation as an epic example of resilience — rising from where we fell. He pointed out the deep connection between the lives of Nepali people and Boudhanath. Both have seen peaceful times, crises, earthquakes, and subsequent recovery.

While Boudhanath now stands tall, many other heritage sites remain in ruins. The Boudhanath Area Development Committee set an example by actively working on-site rather than merely attending inaugurations. Bhujel noted that Boudhanath holds spiritual and architectural significance. Tourists visit to connect with themselves, revere Lord Buddha, and admire the complex architectural masterpiece.

The restoration process was thoroughly documented, which will aid future generations in preserving the Stupa. The damage ultimately increased interest in Boudhanath’s structure. The Stupa’s base, the Mandela, symbolizes the mansion of Buddha, followed by a dome with 108 Buddhist deities representing the Universe or the Vase of the Great Treasure. The Harmika above the dome symbolizes the eight noble paths, the kunjika (nose) represents Nirvana, and the two eyes symbolize method and wisdom.

Conclusion

The 13 steps in Boudhanath’s architecture represent the 13 stages of Bodhisattva — the path to complete enlightenment. These stages are: Pramudita (The Joyful One), Vimala (The Stainless One), Prabhakari (The Illuminating One), Archismati (The Flaming One), Sudurjay (The One Difficult to Conquer), Durangama (The One Who Goes Far), Achala (The Unshakable One), Sadhumati (The One of Good Discrimination), Dharmamegha (The Cloud of Dharma), Samantaprabha (A Pervasive Light), Nirupama (The Incomparable One), and Gyanvati (The Diamond Throne).

The peace radiating from the renovated Stupa highlights the importance of all our heritage sites. Boudhanath carries decisive cultural and religious significance, showcasing Nepal’s rich culture. Unfortunately, many heritage sites still lie in ruins, some supported precariously by lumber, which diminishes their cultural value.

Tourists visit Nepal largely to experience its culture, so delays in heritage reconstruction slow tourism recovery. The successful renovation of Boudhanath sets a benchmark for prompt and effective restoration of other sites, essential for preserving Nepal’s identity and boosting its tourism sector.

Source: Text – Image Nepal Magazine

Photo: Raimond Klavins on Unsplash