White Peace Pagoda, a massive Buddhist monument in the southwest direction of Pokhara, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. The Pagoda is located at an elevation of almost 1100 meters on Anadu Hill. World Peace Pagoda was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji organization with support from local supporters. The stupa was built as a symbol of Peace. World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara is one of the eighty Peace Pagoda globally. Apart from being an attractive site, the stupa is an excellent vantage point that offers fascinating views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and Pokhara city.
History related to the construction of the World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara
In 1947 Nichidastu Fujii planned to build Peace Pagodas in different locations around the world as a symbol of peace. World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa in Pokhara, was constructed by Nipponzan Myohoji monks with support from local supporters. Nipponzan Myohoji is an organization founded by Nichidastu Fujii, a Japanese Buddhist monk. On the hilltop of Anadu Nichidastu, Fujii laid the foundation stone of the World Peace Pagoda by lying the sacred relics of Buddha on 12 September 1973.
The prominent people involved in constructing the pagoda were Morioka Sonin, Dharamshila Guruma (nun), and Min Bahadur Gurung. Morioka Sonin took the first step of forming the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara. Dharamshila Guruma of Dharamshila Buddha Bihar Pokhara responded positively to the proposal from Nipponzan Myohoji. She was involved in generating active participation from the locals of Pokhara. Min Bahadur Gurung, the first elected deputy defense minister of Nepal, donated the land to construct Shanti Stupa. To honor his land donation, the minister's statue was erected in front of Shanti Stupa.
The prayer hall with the birth statue of Buddha, Vihara, and a Guest House was set up on 28 November 1973. When the construction of Shanti Stupa reached the height of 35 feet on 31 July 1974, all these buildings and Pagodas were violently destructed by the government of Nepal. However, after 18 years of continuous attempts to construct the Pagoda by Fujii, along with the support from locals, on 21 May 1992, the prime minister of Nepal, Girija Prasad Koirala, came to the Anadu Hill and relaid the foundation stone. After that, without any obstruction, construction was continued. On 30 October 1999 inauguration ceremony was conducted in the presence of the Chairman of the Nepali Congress Party and former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.
This is the first Peace Pagoda built in Nepal by Fujii and is the 71st in building Peace Pagodas around the world. There are two World Peace Stupa in Nepal, one in Pokhara and another in Lumbini.
Things to do in and around World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara
Admire the architectural beauty of the World Peace Stupa, which is 115 feet tall. The pagoda consists of two tiers for visitors to move around. There are four statues of buddha, which are presented as souvenirs of Buddha from different countries. You can also see the Dharmachakra, which is placed below the major, which indicates the wheel of life, dharma, and teachings of Buddha. Near the World Peace Pagoda, you can see the Dharma hall with the Buddha statue, where Buddhist rituals are performed.
As the Peace Pagodas were constructed to convey the message of peace extensively throughout the world, visitors who visit this stupa can experience peace in abundance. Wandering around and staring at the richness of the natural beauty of the tranquil Pokhara Valley, you can find your peace of mind here.
In the clear weather, you can have spectacular views of a sunrise which makes the view of the Annapurna ranges more fascinating and captivating.
Small cafes around the Pagoda allow you to sit there and immerse yourself in the wonders of beautiful Pokhara.
If you take the route of Chhorepatan to reach Pagoda, then it will be an excellent experience for you to stop for a while at Chhorepatan.In Chhorepatan you can visit the famous Devi Falls. Further there, opposite Devi’s Falls, there is Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave and visiting this cave leaves you with a beautiful feeling.
Also, if you wish, then at the right of the cave, you can see the street that leads to the Tibetan Refugee Camp you can visit there.
If you decide to take a hiking route by hiring a boat from Lakeside in Pokhara, then on the Phewa Tal, you can create some beautiful memories by landing on a small island near the shore. You can see the Taal Barahi Temple, a Hindu temple on the Island. Further, while returning from the Pagoda, you can choose this was as a return way and have a wonderful time there in Phewa Taal.
How to get to the World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara?
There are hiking trails as well as roadways that lead towards the Pagoda. If you are interested in hiking, you can choose the adventurous hiking trails. You can take the boat from the lakeside of Pokhara and make your way to the shore beneath Pagoda. After reaching the coast, you can start your hiking from there. After around 45 minutes of Hiking from the beach, you will get to the World Peace Pagoda.
Besides this route, if you don't prefer hiking, you can choose the roadway. You can take a local bus from Lakeside to Chhorepatan.After reaching Chhorepatan walk on foot for some time to get Stupa.
You can also hire a taxi.
If you choose the hiking trail, it will be better for you to take a guide or porter who is well familiar with the trekking trails. Guide, Porter Guide, Porter Hire in Nepal is straightforward, but at the same time, you have to be careful while hiring a porter as they are the ones who make your trip excellent or lousy.
