Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Valley in Nepal

Swayambhunath Stupa (also Money Temple) is a famous Buddhist shrine located on a hill top at the western edge of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, the small Hindu nation on the lap of the Himalayas. The all-staring Buddha eyes staring out from the top of the stupa has become a quintessential symbol of Nepal throughout the world.

Swayambhunath Stupa, Nepal

Legend:

Swayambhunath Temple was founded about 2,000 years ago. It is held that Kathmandu Valley was filled with a lake and a single lotus grew at its centre. When boddhisatvamanjusri drained the lake with a slash of sword, the lotus settled on the hill top and magically transformed itself in to a stupa (hence the name Self-Created or Swayambhu Stupa).

History:

The earliest written record of the Swayambhunath Stupa dates back to a 5th-century stone inscription, although historians are the view that there was probably a shrine at this place as early as the 1st century.

Stupa Description:

The entry to the temple is from the eastern side where 365 ancient steps lead to the steep forest covered hill. The temple base is about 20 minute walk from the centre of the capital city. Another entry to the stupa/temple is from the western side.

A bright giant gate, which I nearly 12 feet tall, containing a huge Tibetan prayer wheel is located at the bottom of the eastern stairway. There are around dozen more smaller wheels around the gate. Devotees spin the prayer wheels to chant religious prayers and mantras. The staircase has three painted Buddha statues near the base. These statues date back to the 17th century.

Numerous jewellery stones adorn the stupa staircases and these are inscribed with Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme hum (‘Hail to the jewel in the lotus’). The stupa stairs are populated with several monkeys, hence giving the temple its nickname. The dome of the main stupa represents the womb of creation. The Buddha eyes gazing out from each side of the tower are those of the all-seeing Primordial Buddha. Between each of the pairs is a symbol that represents the unity of all.

Other Attractions In and Around the Stupa:

• Harati Devi Temple: dedicated to the Hindu goddess of epidemics.
• Shantipur: a small shrine
• Pratappur and Anantapur shrines
• Shree Karma Raj Mahavihar, a Tibetan monastery with a big Buddha statue.
• Agnipur shrine
• Nagpur tank
• Bronze vajra (thunderbolt), a Tantric symbol of power, at the top of the eastern steps of the stupa. It is decorated with the signs of the Tibetan zodiac.

Festivals and Events:

Buddha Jayanti (in April or May) and Losar (in February or March) are the two main festivities celebrated at Swayambhunath Temple. Gunla is another celebration (August or September) observed to mark the end of the rainy season.

Best Time to go:

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Swayambhunath Temple. Pilgrims flock the site in the morning while tourists mainly visit it later.

Reaching:

Trivubhan International Airport serves Kathmandu

Kathmandu Accommodation:

• Hotel Vaishali
• Hotel Narayani
• The Blue Star
• Hotel Sherpa
• Grand Hotel