Guide to Swayambhunath Stupa
Kathmandu’s important Buddhist shrine, also known as the Monkey Temple, located in the forested western edge of Kathmandu Valley. The famous Buddha eyes’ looking out sleepily has been a popular symbol in Nepal.
History of Swayambhunath Stupa
The temple was founded during the 5th century by the great- grandfather of King Mandeva. Scholars had confirmed the age of it based on the piece of damaged stone found at the temple. Sadly, the temple has been affected by April 25, 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Based on the Swayambhu Purana (Buddhist scripture) the entire valley of Kathmandu once was filled with a massive lake and a lotus grew in the center of it. Manjushri Bodhisattva had drained out the lake by cutting the gullet at Chovar ( a village in Kathmandu District); the lotus flower remains on the top of the hill and unbelievably turns into the stupa (place for meditation). The valley was then called Swayambu which means Self-created.
The other name of Swayambu is Monkey Temple for the reason that Manjushri Bodhisattva. He supposed to leave his hair short but he grew it longer and head lice breed. It was believed that the head lice transformed into these monkeys. These monkeys living in the northwest part of the temple and are considered sacred. The breed of these monkeys is Rhesus Macaques.
What to See in Swayambhunath Stupa?
The main path to the temple is from the eastern side, 365 stone steps are needed to climb before you can reach the temple. These ancient 365 steps is a memorable way to experience the stupa. However, driving or taking a taxi to the west side is an alternative and only a few steps are needed to reach the top.
Anyways, at the bottom of eastern stairway lies the Buddha Park wherein you can see the three painted and huge Buddha statues. The center statue is known as the Amitaba Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Light) which measures 20.4 m. or 67 ft., this is the biggest statue in Nepal. The left side statue is known as Avalokiteshvara (the Lord who looks down) and at the right stands Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche (Lotus-Born). The left and right statues measure19.5 meters high each.
Near the eastern stairway, you will see a brightly painted gate wherein the huge Tibetan prayer wheel approximately 12 ft. tall stands. It takes a maximum effort alone to turn it and a bell sounds during each revolution. Smaller bells can be seen around the gate.
Scattered along the staircase are mani stones, inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om mani padme hum translated as Hail to the jewel in the lotus.
The overall sightings and decorations of Swayambunath Stupa is rich with Buddhist symbol. The main stupa is a phallic complement in the square-shaped tower and contains a sculptured tower with a spire made of 13 golden tiers which represent steps to enlightenment. There are numerous other shrines and sanctified structured. Five of the shrine symbolizes five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and sky.
One of the shrines is called the Harati Devi Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of smallpox, various epidemics, and protectress of children. This small brick pagoda is very popular among Buddhist, Hindu, and mother asking for a blessing for their offspring. The temple was believed to be founded around the 19th century; it is the replacement of the original avatar that was smashed by King Rana Bahadur after his queen died from smallpox.
Just like the regular way Hindu honor their Gods by tossing flowers, rice, colored powder and holy water then devotees will receive a tika ( a mixture of colored powder usually red, yogurt and grains usually worn on the forehead) from Brahman (Hindu priest).
Another popular shrine is called Shantipur, a small box-shaped temple that contains a great treasure – Shanti Shri, the holy living man who has been meditating there for over 1500 years. Shanti Shri has lived during the 5th century, locked himself in a room inside the temple, he stayed there until the Kathmandu valley needed him.
Important Notes:
How to go
The temple is around 15 minutes far from Thamel. Beware of overcharged pricing of Taxi, set a friendly bargain first before you get in the cab. The average price is about Rs. 150
When to go
In my opinion, it is enjoyable to visit the place whole year except during raining season because the road in Nepal is slippery and muddy on these days. There is a major activity in Harati and other shrines during Saturday. Saturday is a holy day in Nepal and Nepalis have off from work.
Important Events
Buddha Jayanti, celebrated in April or May and Losar, in February of March; these are two main festivals that are celebrated in Swayambhunath Stupa. During these events, many devotees visit the temple and the monks create a lotus pattern on the stupa with saffron-colored paint. Another event is the Gunla, which is celebrated in August or September to denote the end of the rainy season.
Swayambunath Stupa is indeed one of Nepal jewels that everyone should visit and explore for its magnificent religious value, amazing scenery, and remarkable history.
History of Swayambhunath Stupa
The temple was founded during the 5th century by the great- grandfather of King Mandeva. Scholars had confirmed the age of it based on the piece of damaged stone found at the temple. Sadly, the temple has been affected by April 25, 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Based on the Swayambhu Purana (Buddhist scripture) the entire valley of Kathmandu once was filled with a massive lake and a lotus grew in the center of it. Manjushri Bodhisattva had drained out the lake by cutting the gullet at Chovar ( a village in Kathmandu District); the lotus flower remains on the top of the hill and unbelievably turns into the stupa (place for meditation). The valley was then called Swayambu which means Self-created.
The other name of Swayambu is Monkey Temple for the reason that Manjushri Bodhisattva. He supposed to leave his hair short but he grew it longer and head lice breed. It was believed that the head lice transformed into these monkeys. These monkeys living in the northwest part of the temple and are considered sacred. The breed of these monkeys is Rhesus Macaques.
What to See in Swayambhunath Stupa?
The main path to the temple is from the eastern side, 365 stone steps are needed to climb before you can reach the temple. These ancient 365 steps is a memorable way to experience the stupa. However, driving or taking a taxi to the west side is an alternative and only a few steps are needed to reach the top.
Anyways, at the bottom of eastern stairway lies the Buddha Park wherein you can see the three painted and huge Buddha statues. The center statue is known as the Amitaba Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Light) which measures 20.4 m. or 67 ft., this is the biggest statue in Nepal. The left side statue is known as Avalokiteshvara (the Lord who looks down) and at the right stands Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche (Lotus-Born). The left and right statues measure19.5 meters high each.
Near the eastern stairway, you will see a brightly painted gate wherein the huge Tibetan prayer wheel approximately 12 ft. tall stands. It takes a maximum effort alone to turn it and a bell sounds during each revolution. Smaller bells can be seen around the gate.
Scattered along the staircase are mani stones, inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om mani padme hum translated as Hail to the jewel in the lotus.
The overall sightings and decorations of Swayambunath Stupa is rich with Buddhist symbol. The main stupa is a phallic complement in the square-shaped tower and contains a sculptured tower with a spire made of 13 golden tiers which represent steps to enlightenment. There are numerous other shrines and sanctified structured. Five of the shrine symbolizes five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and sky.
Just like the regular way Hindu honor their Gods by tossing flowers, rice, colored powder and holy water then devotees will receive a tika ( a mixture of colored powder usually red, yogurt and grains usually worn on the forehead) from Brahman (Hindu priest).
Another popular shrine is called Shantipur, a small box-shaped temple that contains a great treasure – Shanti Shri, the holy living man who has been meditating there for over 1500 years. Shanti Shri has lived during the 5th century, locked himself in a room inside the temple, he stayed there until the Kathmandu valley needed him.
Important Notes:
- Buddha Park is free for everyone.
- Avoid bringing hand carry bag such as plastic bag with snacks/food inside, monkeys are a little thief. (I have witnessed one scenario.)
- Do not eat inside the park. (same reason as above)
- The current fee for foreigners is Rs. 200. If you don’t want to pay, visit the monastery at the back of Swayambhunath complex.
- You can visit a small museum of natural history located on the west side of the temple.
How to go
The temple is around 15 minutes far from Thamel. Beware of overcharged pricing of Taxi, set a friendly bargain first before you get in the cab. The average price is about Rs. 150
When to go
In my opinion, it is enjoyable to visit the place whole year except during raining season because the road in Nepal is slippery and muddy on these days. There is a major activity in Harati and other shrines during Saturday. Saturday is a holy day in Nepal and Nepalis have off from work.
Important Events
Buddha Jayanti, celebrated in April or May and Losar, in February of March; these are two main festivals that are celebrated in Swayambhunath Stupa. During these events, many devotees visit the temple and the monks create a lotus pattern on the stupa with saffron-colored paint. Another event is the Gunla, which is celebrated in August or September to denote the end of the rainy season.
Swayambunath Stupa is indeed one of Nepal jewels that everyone should visit and explore for its magnificent religious value, amazing scenery, and remarkable history.
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