Below is the Bodnath Stupa - the largest stupa in Nepal.
All the Buddhist Stupas are symbolic:
The base symbolises earth.
The dome symbolises water.
The spire symbolises fire (13 steps represent the 13 stages to nirvana).
The umbrella symbolises air.
The pinacle symbolises ether.
Buddha's eyes gaze out in all 4 directions while the 'nose' isn't really a nose at all - its a nepali number 1 signifying the oneness of all life.
Along the base of the temple are the prayer wheels which bear the mantra 'om mani padme hum'. The idea is to circumnavigate the temple clockwise while spinning the prayer wheels with your hand (also clockwise).
Below is the Bodnath Stupa - the largest stupa in Nepal.
All the Buddhist Stupas are symbolic:
Buddha's eyes gaze out in all 4 directions while the 'nose' isn't really a nose at all - its a nepali number 1 signifying the oneness of all life.
Along the base of the temple are the prayer wheels which bear the mantra 'om mani padme hum'. The idea is to circumnavigate the temple clockwise while spinning the prayer wheels with your hand (also clockwise).
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