Introduction
Swayambhunath stupa lies west of Kathmandu. This stupa is on the top of hill in Kathmandu valley with mind-blowing architecture. It is also oldest religious sites of Nepal. Tibetan names it as ‘Sublime Trees’. As it is in the top of the hill in the Kathmandu valley you can have a good view of the Kathmandu with its beauty in the form of different view of nature. Along with stupa you can other temples, Tibetan monasteries, statute of god, a variety of shirnes.
Origin of Swyambunath stupa
According to Swayambhu Purana, Swayambhu was born out of a lotus flower at bloomed in the middle of a enormous lake. The valley came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning “Self-Created. the lake once spread across the Kathmandu Valley. Also it is called monkey temple because in the hill we find forest where we can see holy monkeys living there. The monkey are holy because Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom and learning, He was supposed to leave his hair short. But later he made it grow long and head lice grew. And it was said that the head lice transformed into these monkeys. Also Manjushri was rasing the hill where the stupa stands now.
Major attraction
Swayambhunath Stupa
It stand through the whitewashed dome to a gilded spire and from there where four iconic eyes of Buddha stares across kathmandu valley. The structure of stupa symbols a great meaning where dome symbols the earth,while tiered of 13 or tower above dome symbols the stage of the nirvana. And the nose is actually number of 1 in Nepali where it symbols unity. Chaityas, statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities fill the stupa complex.
Eastern stairway
It is the stone pilgrim stairway that climbs the eastern end of the hill. It was construed by king Partap Malla in 17th century. At the bottom you can see Buddha statue. when you walk upper then you can see chaitya. This stair consist approximately 360 steps. You can often see Tibetan astrologers reading fortunes here At the top you can see the stairs are lined up with the statue of the Garudas, lions, Elephants, horse and peackcock.
Great Thunderbolt
At the top of the eastern stairs, we can see Dorje (Great thunderbolt). Thunderbolt is a Tantric symbol of the power of enlightenment. In ritual it indicted to the male power. Along with Thunder bolt you can see two Indian style Shikhara towers built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century.
How to Reach?
Swambhunath Stupa is located to the north west of Kathmandu Valley inside the ring road. The place is easily accssible from any part of Kathmandu. The distance from Thamel to Swyambhunath temple is just 3 km. Kathmandu Durbar Square is 2.5 km far from Swyambhunath.
Festivals/Events Related
Buddha Jayanti – the birthday of Lord Buddha, is celebrated in Swyambhunath Stupa. Both Buddhist and Hindus visit this holy sites every year.
Trips Related to Swayambhunath Stupa
- Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
- Buddhist Cultural Tour
