Maitighar Mandala

Maitighar Mandala is a Buddhist monument at the Singhadurbar intersection in Kathmandu featuring concentric circles and 32 vajras in the outer ring. The middle section displays 16 lotus petals while the inner area contains 32 floral garlands.

The monument was constructed in 2001 as part of urban improvements for the 11th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit held in Kathmandu. Its creation was linked to the modernization of central city spaces during these preparations.

The mandala displays Buddhist symbols that are visible in its design: vajras represent spiritual power, lotus petals stand for purity, and colors reflect human qualities like compassion. These elements create a spiritual focal point in the city center.

The monument sits at the intersection of roads from Thapathali, New Baneshwor, and Bhadrakali making it easy to reach. From this central location, visitors can also see where the Araniko Highway begins, connecting to China.

The site previously housed a cinema that screened a film called Maithighar in 1966, which influenced the monument's current name meaning maternal home. This historical connection to the location's past often goes unnoticed by visitors.

Location: Kathmandu

GPS coordinates: 27.69444,85.32027

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26