BISHWO SHANTI STUPA (WORLD PEACE PAGODA)

BISHOW SHANTI STUPA

World peace Pagoda (Bishwo Shanti Stupa) a massive Buddist Stupa , has an immense role beautify the Pokhara valley. Located on top of Anadu hill of Pumdi Bhumdi Village Development Committe, the Stupa lies approximately 7 kilometers away from Mahendra pool, the main market of the valley . This Stupa was designed by Monk Nisparanjan Myohoji and founded by Monk Litokowo (Pokhara Tourism Mirror,2008:220 the Stupa is situated at an elevation of 2 thousand and 1 hundred meters above sea level (Pokhara tourism Mirror,2008:22).
             One can visit the Stupa through several ways and directions. After getting off at Chhorepatan one can climb up the hillside on foot for about 1 hour to reach the Stupa .Those not willing to walk on foot can take a car or a taxi. Cars and taxis can reach there by way of Kalimati of Pumdi Bhumdi VDC.Another way to reach the Stupa is through crossing fewa lake by boat and hiking up the hill.Following this direction, it takes about 1 hour on foot.9Keshetry,2057;58)
            Besides the efforts made to construct the Stupa as early as 2030 B.S by Girija Prashad Koirala, the then Prime Minister of Nepal . After the completion of Girija Prashad Koirala, the then Prime minister of Nepal .After the completion of construction, the same prime minister got an opportunity to inaugurate the Stupa on 13th of Kartik,2056.It was, in fact a matter of coincidence for him.
            It has already been stated that the Stupa was the sole product of sincere initiative and a design of a Japanese Bhikshu Nisparanjan Myohoji. His proposal of constructing a Stupa at that very place was highly welcomed by Dharmasila Gurung of Dharmashila Buddha Bihar of Nadipur Pokhara and Meen Bahadur Gurung ,an ex-minister.The keen desire of the Japanese Bhikshu could be materialized as the land (i.e.Anadu
    danda)was granted by Meen Bahadur Gurung .
    The Stupa is 115 ft. tall and 344 ft. in its diameter . Besides the Stupa ,a Bihar with the idol Buddha and a guest house with 12 rooms are constructed within the premises of the Stupa. A huge idol of lord Buddha made in Japan has been installed at the front part of the Stupa .The western part of the Stupa is equipped with the installation of an idol of Buddha received from Sri Lanka and another idol of 6ft. received from Thailand .And in the southern part of the Stupa, there has been installed an idol made by a Nepali sculpture. The Stupa is surrounded with all these idols of lord Buddha as souvenirs from different countries of Asia. The Stupa occupies about 21 ropanis of land .One has to ascend 37 steps to reach the bottom part of the Stupa .The upper part of the Stupa is equipped with  "Dharmachakra" and on the top of the Stupa,Gajur (Pinnacle) of golden colour has been installed . And furthermore, on the upper part of the Gajur , a crystal stone received from Sri Lanka has been placed.This is considered as a symbol of intellect and grace.
          The Peace Pagoda is unique of its type in the Pokhara valley. The Stupa gives a feeling and message of peace and prosperity.
          Situated on a hill top of Pokhara valley, the Stupa has an immense value and significance from both tourism and religious point of view.From tourism point of view,one who climbs the hill i.e Anadu, can enjoy having a glance at the Himalaya range like Machhapuchhre,Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas and greenery scene,scenery of Pokhara valley and its surroundings. Anadudanda itself is a suitable picnic spot too.
         The Stupa itself represents the real norms and value of the philosophy of lord Buddha . From the religious and tourism point of view.It is ,thus,suggested to the institutions concerned to pay their proper attention for the conservation of the Stupa and its surrounding environment . And , moreover, the Stupa is supposed to be highlighted through national and international press and media.