A stupa is a mound-like
Buddhist structure for
meditation and other religious ceremonies. The Great Boudha Stupa in
Nepal is the largest one in Asia (Its total area is
6756 square meters). Although the exact date of its construction is
unknown, it
is believed to be very ancient and thus it was listed as a World’s
heritage
site by UN in 1979. This stupa was badly
damaged by the earthquake on April 25, 2015. Fortunately now it has
been fully
restored. At the stupa Buddhists practice a ritual called
circumambulation:
circling around the stupa in a clockwise fashion. According to a
legend, a dying
man almost went to hell due to his sins, but at the last moment he
received an amnesty from Buddha,
because once he circled around The Great Boudha Stupa while chasing a
dog. Even
though you are not a Buddhist, you have to follow the rule; going
counter-clockwise is considered disrespectful. I took as many pictures
as
possible while walking around the stupa. If I want to retake anything,
I have
to keep going forward in order to return to the same position.
