History of Peace Pagoda
The founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji organization, Nichidatsu Fujii, led the construction of over 80 peace pagodas around the world. With the help of Morioka Sonin, Dharamshila Guruma, and Min Bahadur Gurung, the Pagoda was erected at a cost of approximately 1 million dollars. To honor the land donated by the deputy defense minister, Min Bahadur Gurung, a statue was erected in his memory. Today, the World Peace Pagoda stands as a testament to the power of peace and the importance of unity in a world torn apart by conflict.
Despite initial opposition from the government, the Nipponzan-Myōhōji group persisted in their efforts to construct the prayer hall and Buddha Statue. The adjacent buildings and sheds were demolished to ensure an unobstructed view and peaceful atmosphere. It wasn't until 1992, with the support of then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, that the building blocks were finally laid and construction was able to proceed smoothly. Today, the Peace Pagoda stands as a symbol of peace and unity for all who visit.
How to Get Peace Pagoda
he Peace Pagoda is a popular destination for tourists in Nepal. To reach it, visitors can take a boat for around 800 rupees, with an additional 20 rupees for a life jacket. Along the way, they can also choose to visit the Tal Barahi temple, a small temple dedicated to Bhagwati where many people can be seen praying.
The World Peace Pagoda, a symbol of peace and harmony, can be reached by hiring a rowing boat from Lakeside and then making a steep climb to the top, which takes around 45 minutes on foot. The pagoda is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
The Peace Pagoda is a must-see attraction for visitors to Pokhara, Nepal. While the trail leading up to the Pagoda can be steep and slippery, the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth the effort. Along the way, you'll pass by charming cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Once you reach the Pagoda, take some time to soak in the serene surroundings before deciding how to continue your journey. You can either head back down to the shore and take a boat ride to Lakeside, or take a different route down to the main road and catch a bus or taxi to your next destination.
World peace Pagoda in Pokhara
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Permit and fees to Enter the World Peace pagoda
There are no permit fees required to enter the Peace Pagoda. As you make your way to the summit of the hill, you can see numerous stalls selling souvenirs and food items. Spend a few bucks and purchase souvenirs as it will be a memento of your time here in Pokhara. You can buy food as well but don’t litter the area. There are strong rules and regulations in Pokhara, which dictate that proper waste management is to be made.
Some interesting facts about World Peace Pagoda
- The World Peace Pagoda stands on top of Anadu Hill and accentuates the beauty of the Pokhara valley.
- The Pagoda is draped in white with a golden top.
- It is 115 feet tall and 344 feet in diameter.
- The Pagoda is divided into two flats. Each flat consists of significant space, which allows the traveller to circumambulation.
- Inside the pagoda, you are not allowed to wear shoes. You must take them off below the gate.
- The second floor of the pagoda displays 4 statues of Buddha. It was gifted from 4 different places. ‘Dharmachakra Mudra’ from Japan, ‘Bodh Gaya’ from Sri Lanka, ‘Kushinagar’ from Thailand, and 'Lumbini' from Nepal. Each statue symbolizes an important event, which took place in the life of Gautam Buddha.
- The Dharmachakra resides below the pinnacle that signifies the wheel of life. It also means Dharma, which is directly related to the teachings preached by Buddha.
- The summit of the Golden Gajur holds a crystal stone. It is a gift from Sri Lanka and signifies intellect and grace. There is a hall nearby called the Dhamma Hall, and there is a Buddha statue in it. Various rituals and pujas are held in that hall during special occasions.
Things to do around the Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda serves as a perfect weekend getaway for those who are residing in Pokhara. If you are new to this city, then obviously it is a must-visit place in Pokhara. The amazing part here is the blissful silence, cool breeze, and amazing view of the Pokhara valley and the Mountains. On top of the pagoda, you can choose to meditate or even interact with the monks residing there. To make your trip much more interesting, you can choose to hike from Lakeside. You can even choose to get on a boating trip from Phewa Lake and then hike to the Peace Pagoda. This journey will be entertaining too.
Another option that many people use is that they hire a bicycle and then bike to the pagoda. Finding a bike is pretty easy as it costs only Rs. 800 a day. The Peace Pagoda visit can be combined with a visit to other natural sites too. For instance, you can visit the Davis Falls, and after you have observed its roaring rapids, you can descend to the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave. It sits just across the road. The water of the Davis Falls goes through the cave, and the sound of the water can be heard inside the cave. After visiting the cave, we can make our way to the Peace Pagoda.
The Peace Pagoda is a quintessential aspect of your visit to Pokhara. It oozes peace & bliss and is a great stress reliever as well. Be sure to visit this landmark to truly comprehend the beauty of nature, the Peace Pagoda in Pokhara.
Conclusion
The Peace Stupa is a place that you should not miss when you visit Pokhara. Some of the tours that include a visit to Peace stupa are the Pokhara Day Tour, Pokhara Tour, and Spirit of Nepal Tour & Taste of Nepal Tour.
Pokhara is the gateway to many Annapurna Treks, and they are Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek & Upper Mustang Trekking.
