Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in
Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of
the largest
stupas in South Asia. Bouddhanath
Stupa was renovated by Licchavi
rulers in the eighth century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a
copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa is located in the area
of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and
offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from
Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a
complete township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said
to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and
Hindus. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries,
curio shops, and restaurants surround
Bouddhanath.
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