BHAGAWAN PASUPATHINATH OF NEPAL
The Seat of Chaturmukha Siva

THE BODHNATH STUPA

This famous stupa lies just opposite the Swayambhunath stupa. It resembles Swayambhunath in every aspect. Its garbha is raised on a series of rectangular terraces, but enclosed in an outer circular wall containing the prayer wheels and paintings of the images of Buddha. It was built by Raja Manadeva. The origin of this Is connected with an odd story that mirrors the King's matchless selflessness and peerless concern for the welfare of his subjects. 

As the story goes, once during the reign of Raja Manadeva, there visited drought and people experienced a hell of time no water to drink, as all the ponds, lakes, wells went dry. Then the astrologers advised the king to offer to the angry gods, human sacrifice of a pious man having 32 virtues. Enquiry revealed that there existed only one i.e. the king himself fulfilling the description of the astrologers. He decided to offer himself for public good. 

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]