Regardless of your religious beliefs, you can't help but be amazed at the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya at Colorado's Shambhala Mountain Center.

You may not have even known about the Shambhala Mountain Center but the construction of this Buddhist shrine began in 1988, so it's been around for a while.

First of all, a brief explanation. The Great Stupa was originally constructed to inter the ashes of Chogyam Trungpa, a Buddhist meditation master, who died in 1987. The site of the stupa was reportedly identified in 1974 when the head of the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism made his first visit to North America.

The mountain center website says the finest materials have been used in the construction of the Stupa, including special concrete that is supposed to last for 1000 years. I guess we won't be around to determine the quality of the concrete.

Some facts about the Stupa.

*108 feet tall
*The shape of the Stupa represents Buddha
* A 20-foot golden Buddha sits on the main floor
* Three levels inside the Stupa, but only the main floor is open to the public

The Shambhala Mountain Center welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no admission charge, though donations are suggested. Private group tours are available at a cost of $10 per person.

It is said that Stupas promote harmony, prosperity, longevity, good health, and peace, which certainly are all good things, and might explain why so many people visit.

The Shambhala Mountain Center is located west of Fort Collins in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. If you want some peace and harmony - or just want to see some cool architecture - plan a road trip to see the Great Stupa.

 

More From ESPN Western Colorado