Ramagrama Stupa Masterplan
The Ramagrama Stupa Masterplan embodies a profound commitment to safeguard, preserve, and honor the extraordinary resting place of Lord Buddha. Acclaimed architect Stefano Boeri, renowned for the award-winning Vertical Forest in Milan and his adept integration of cultural and natural surroundings, is entrusted with unveiling the essence of this sacred site, meticulously designing an architectural masterplan that resonates with the sanctity and spiritual significance of the Stupa.
The foremost priority is conservation and protection. A Heritage Impact Assessment will be commissioned, and adjustments to the masterplan will be made based on the report. Following this, a feasibility study will be conducted.
No construction will commence until the feasibility study receives approval from both the Nepal government and UNESCO.
Mandala
The mandala, characterized by intricate and symbolic geometric patterns, holds spiritual and ritual importance. Mandalas, often circular, carry protective attributes in various cultural and religious traditions, safeguarding significant items, spaces, or, in this case, the only unopened remains of Lord Buddha.
Conceived as a mandala, the masterplan features a second hill approximately 300 meters from the central stupa, enveloping the pilgrimage site. This hill cradles a central plaza with a majestic diameter of 600 meters.
Masterplan
Early sutras (the Maha-parinibbāna sutra) record specific instructions from Buddha about honoring his remains, emphasizing their placement in a stupa at the crossing of the mythical four great roads, symbolizing the hub of the wheel and the place of Enlightenment. The plaza pattern highlights these connections through four great roads, with the central stupa at the crossing symbolizing the center or hub of the wheel, associated with the Buddha's enlightenment.
Preliminary Risk Assessment
No construction within the Mandala avoiding any archaeological reserves known
The Biodiversity Ring Garden
The Biodiversity Ring Garden is designed as a slope hosting 80,000 plants of 70 different species, with plant varieties selected from native species from the Terai plain, the birthplace of Buddha, and ending in a circular elevated pathway shaded by trees, offering a full view over the Ramagrama Stupa.
Graceful pathways ascend the verdant hill allowing pilgrims to ascend and view the holy site from elevated vantage points in a ring shape. Within the hill's embrace, monumental prayer halls, art and culture centers, meditation spaces, and museums span 175,000 square meters, honoring Buddhist history and spirituality.
Considering the local climatic and environmental conditions, special attention was given to the project to the issue of shading the pedestrian paths to guarantee adequate use of the space by visitors in all seasons and throughout the day.
The inner facade, adorned with soaring arcades resembling lotus petals, symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awakening inherent in Buddhist teachings, paying homage to Kenzo Tange's architectural design in Lumbini.
The Four Torana
The hill, divided at cardinal points, reveals four magnificent gateways, known as torana, inviting seekers to enter and immerse themselves in a profound journey. The four torana are protected by four Guardians (Caturmahārājakayikas): Dhṛtarāṣṭra in the East, Virūḍhaka in the South, Virūpākṣa in the West, and Vaiśravaṇa in the North.
Every portal frames a distinct perspective, drawing focus towards the central stupa where Lord Buddha's sacred relics rest, invoking a profound sense of reverence and contemplation.
The circle at each torana symbolizes the concept of Śūnyatā, the emptiness or voidness inherent in all things, as emphasized in Buddhism. This voidness is not mere nothingness but rather the essence of the universe's interconnectedness and the foundation of wisdom.
The Five Stupas
Outside the torana, at a distance of 500 meters from the central stupa, stand four stupas dedicated to the Five Dhyani Buddha: the White Stupa dedicated to Vairochana at the center, represented by the Ramagrama Stupa; the Blue Stupa dedicated to Akshobya in the east; the Yellow Stupa dedicated to Ratnsambhava in the south; the Red Stupa dedicated to Amitabha in the west; and the Green Stupa dedicated to Amoghasiddhi in the north.
Faith and Nature Converge
Beyond its physical manifestation, the design embodies profound reverence for Buddhism's teachings and spiritual significance, creating a timeless sanctuary where faith and nature interlace, inviting all who journey here to find solace, introspection, and a deep connection to the spiritual essence of Lord Buddha's teachings.
In its majestic design and meticulous preservation, the Ramagrama Stupa Masterplan emerges as a sacred haven, seamlessly blending history, spirituality, and environmental consciousness. With every architectural detail and symbolic element, it not only safeguards the legacy of Lord Buddha but also invites seekers to experience a timeless sanctuary where faith and nature converge.
