Swayambhunath Stupa Complex, Kathmandu, Nepal (Swayambhunath Mahachaitya)

There are several 3D models associated with this site available here for you to explore. Each is listed separately under “3D Models.” We hope to someday have a large 3D model of the main Swayambhunath stupa itself someday. For now, you can explore the stupa and surrounding area, and get a sense of the context for these models, by viewing the 360 video in which Professor Leve circumambulates the stupa. Find that here on this site under “360 videos.” You may also find it helpful to consult the map provided here to see the general layout of the site. The video begins at #18 and then walks to 11, to 10, to 5 and then back toward 18.

Asura Cave, Pharping, Nepal

There are two files on this site that will help you get the fullest view of this important cave, associated with the Buddhist master Padmasambhava. There is a 360 video that shows actual daily practice in/at the cave, showing pilgrims as they enter and exit and engage in ritual acts (including a pilgrimage group that does a collective puja). There is also a 360 model that allows you to explore the cave independently. The 360 model includes additional pictures and links to other (and better) 3D and VR sites produced as part of this project that cannot be hosted on this UNC website. We suggest that you view all of the gateways for the fullest knowledge and experience.

Namo Buddha, Nepal

For this site, we have two models. One is of the outdoor stupa at the historical Namo Buddha location. The other is of an interior shrine in a new monastery that has been built just a little bit up the road from the historical stupa (because Namo Buddha is considered such a powerful site and is, hence, a great place to build a monastery). You’ll also find some general information on the pages with the 3D models, and links to external sites that will add context. There are also two 360 videos that were taken in the main shrine room of the new monastery and show the monks reciting texts. The model of the shrine room is from this same monastery but is a smaller shrine that is reserved for more different ceremonies.

Guru Lhakhang at the Tamang Monastery at Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.

This is an intimate, old shrine that sits on the top floor of the Tamang temple. On the lower floors, there are larger temple halls that are used for large public gatherings. This is a smaller temple that tourists are generally unaware of, where monks tend to do smaller rituals for particular clients and/or where smaller groups of monks associated with the monastery carry out rituals for the group.