Bouddhanath stupa stands tall again after mammoth 2015 earthquake

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Nov 19: Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and a major tourist attraction in Nepal has been renovated much to the delight of the Buddhist population across the world.

The stupa was damaged during the mammoth 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Himalayan nation in April last year.

The reconstruction work which began in May last year has been completed and the majestic stupa will stand tall again as it will be opened to the public on Nov 22.

A three-day purification ritual at the ancient stupa of Bouddhanath began on Friday after the renovation work was completed.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Prime Minister of Nepal is scheduled to inaugurate the Bouddhanath stupa on Nov 22.

The Bouddhanath stupa known among Tibetans as Ja Rung Kha Shor Choeten was not sparred by the devastating earth quake, causing damage to the upper portion and cracks to the dome-structure of the stupa.

A total of 230 million rupees is the estimated cost of the renovation of the ancient stupa build in 5th century, all of which came from donations from locals, Buddhists residing in Nepal and abroad, and Buddhist organisations across the world, according to media reports.

Of the estimated cost, Rs 150 million was spent on gold alone; a Buddhist religious leader living in India donated 30kg gold needed for gilding the spire of the stupa.