Bodhnath stupa and prayer flags

The base of the stupa symbolizes the earth. On top of it is the done which symbolizes water. On top of this i the spire (tower) that symbolizes fire, then the umbrella that symbolizes air. On top is the pinnacle which symbolizes either. The spire has 13 levels, which represents the 13 stages to attain nirvana. On all four sides of the square base of the spire are the all watchful eyes of the Buddha. There is a third eye between and above the normal two eyes. The nose is really the Nepali number one, which signifies the unity of life.