Rising gracefully above the tranquil bushland of central Victoria, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is one of Australia’s most inspiring spiritual and cultural landmarks. Recognised as the largest Buddhist stupa in the Western world and one of the largest outside Asia, it serves as a place of pilgrimage, meditation, education, and intercultural understanding, welcoming visitors from all faiths and backgrounds.
Situated on approximately 200 acres (85 hectares) of serene natural landscape, the Great Stupa was inspired by the vision of the renowned Tibetan Buddhist master Lama Thubten Yeshe in 1981. His aspiration was to establish a great Buddhist centre in Australia dedicated to promoting universal compassion, wisdom, and peace. Following his passing in 1984, the vision was carried forward by his spiritual successor, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who encouraged the construction of a stupa based on the historic Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet.
The project became a reality through the dedication of Ian Green OAM, together with his wife Judy Green, volunteers, supporters, and Buddhist communities from around the world. Construction officially commenced in 2003, and today the Great Stupa stands approximately 50 metres high with a 50-metre-square base, making it one of the most significant Buddhist monuments outside Asia.
The Great Stupa stands as a monumental offering of faith, a beacon of universal compassion, and a living legacy to Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche beautifully expressed:
“Each person who comes to see the Great Stupa receives an imprint for enlightenment.”
A Global Centre for Interfaith Harmony
While deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition, the vision of Ian Green extends far beyond Buddhism alone. He has long championed interfaith dialogue, believing that every religion shares the common values of peace, compassion, truth, kindness, and love.
This vision is reflected in the Interfaith Peace Park, located at the entrance of the Great Stupa. Believed to be one of the first interfaith parks of its kind, it features sacred symbols and installations representing the Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Indigenous Australian, Islamic, and Sikh faiths. Standing side by side, these symbols celebrate mutual respect, understanding, and the shared aspirations of humanity.
A Destination of Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The Great Stupa offers visitors a unique spiritual and cultural experience. Highlights include:
- The magnificent Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
- The renowned Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, carved from rare gemstone-quality jade.
- The sacred Relic Shrine, housing relics of the Buddha and revered Buddhist masters.
- Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery, home to resident Tibetan Buddhist monks.
- The inspiring Interfaith Peace Park.
- The tranquil Enlightenment Garden and meditation areas.
- Scenic bushland walking trails.
- A gift shop and café.
- Meditation retreats, Vesak celebrations, Buddhist teachings, educational programs, and cultural festivals held throughout the year.
The Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha Initiative
In a significant step towards strengthening the spiritual and cultural connection between Australia and Nepal, the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC) is planning to establish a Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion.
To formalise this meaningful collaboration, NRNA ICC, NRNA NCC Australia, and The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting Buddhist heritage, peace, cultural exchange, and international friendship.
The initiative is being undertaken in close collaboration with Ian Green OAM, Chairman and Director of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd, whose visionary leadership has transformed the Great Stupa into a globally recognised centre for compassion, education, and interfaith harmony.
The proposed Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha will stand approximately 6.2 feet (1.9 metres) tall and weigh more than 150 kilograms. Depicting Bodhisattva Siddhartha before attaining enlightenment, the statue symbolises the beginning of the spiritual journey that gave the world the timeless teachings of the Buddha—peace, compassion, wisdom, and non-violence.
Project Partners and Leadership
The project is receiving generous financial support from NRNA NCC Australia, which is contributing towards the construction of the statue, while another supporting partner is assisting with the development of the foundation and installation.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Lumbini Circuit Municipalities, Nepal Tourism Board, NRNA Australia, and The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd.
Mr. Sujan Adhikari, Secretary of the NRNA International Coordination Council (ICC), has been entrusted with coordinating the foundation work for the statue project in Australia. He will lead the process of finalising the foundation arrangements while working closely with local stakeholders and project partners to ensure the successful implementation of this important initiative.
The overall project is being coordinated by Som Nath Sapkota, Spokesperson of the NRNA International Coordination Council and Chair of its Tourism Promotion Committee. Working closely with all partner organisations, he is leading efforts to establish the Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha as a lasting symbol of peace, compassion, and the enduring spiritual connection between Australia and Nepal.
Promoting Lumbini and Buddhist Heritage
NRNA expects the Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha to become an important cultural and spiritual landmark that will enhance global recognition of Lumbini, Nepal, as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, encourage pilgrimage and cultural tourism to Nepal, and further strengthen the friendship between Nepal and Australia.
More importantly, the project aims to spread the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha and inspire future generations through the universal values of compassion, harmony, wisdom, and peace.
Expanding a Global Vision
The Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion represents the beginning of a broader international initiative led by the NRNA International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC).
As part of its global vision to promote the teachings of Lord Buddha and Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage, NRNA plans to establish Statues of Lord Buddha at selected Nepalese diplomatic missions and other prominent international locations.
During the first phase of the initiative, 10 Statues of Lord Buddha are planned to be installed at Nepalese diplomatic missions around the world. These statues will serve as enduring symbols of peace, compassion, wisdom, and non-violence while strengthening Nepal’s cultural diplomacy and promoting Lumbini as the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The initiative is expected to encourage pilgrimage and cultural tourism to Nepal, deepen international appreciation of Buddhist philosophy, and foster stronger cultural ties between Nepal and the global community.
A Shared Vision for Peace
Today, the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is far more than an architectural masterpiece. It has become a global symbol of unity, compassion, and hope, bringing together people of different cultures, religions, and nations in the shared pursuit of peace.
The planned installation of the Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha marks another important milestone in this journey. Together, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd, NRNA Australia, the NRNA International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC), the Lumbini Circuit Municipalities, Kapilvastu Municipality, Tilottama Municipality, Devdaha Municipality, Ramgram Municipality, and Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality, along with the Nepal Tourism Board, NRNA NCC Australia, and supporting partners, are creating a lasting legacy that honours Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, while sharing his timeless message with the world.
More than the installation of a statue, this initiative represents a bridge between Nepal and Australia and between Nepal and the international community. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage, strengthening cultural diplomacy, promoting global peace, and inspiring future generations through the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha.
As visitors from around the world gather beneath the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, the Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha will stand as a powerful reminder that compassion, kindness, and understanding have the power to unite humanity. Together with NRNA’s global initiative to establish Statues of Lord Buddha around the world, this project reflects a shared vision of building a more peaceful, harmonious, and compassionate future while celebrating Nepal’s priceless spiritual heritage and the universal message of Lord Buddha.
Sculpture Design and Project Timeline
NALJORMMA Arts has been entrusted with the sculpture design and engineering of the Statue of Bodhisattva Siddhartha. The company will oversee the artistic development and technical aspects of the project, ensuring that the statue is crafted with precision while preserving its cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Article By: Som Nath Sapkota, Spokesperson, NRNA International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC)
Project Coordinator
