Swayambhunath or the Monkey temple is situated along with the massive Boudhanath stupa in the east. The temple is one of the most holy Buddhist sites and is among the most ancient ones in Kathmandu. It overlooks the city sitting on a hill located in the west of the Kathmandu city.
According to the Swayambhu Purana, in ancient times, the entire Kathmandu valley was filled with a huge lake, in which a lotus grew. Bodhisatva Majushri visualized the lotus at the Swayambhu and visited there for worshipping it. He saw that the valley may be a good settlement and he cut a gorge at the Chovar to make it more accessible to the pilgrims. Consequently, the water of the lake drained out, and the valley of Kathmandu remained as it now lies. The lotus flower was then converted into a hill, which has now become Swayambhunath stupa.
Swayambhunath is one of the oldest holy places in Nepal. As per the historians, the great grand father of the king Manadeva (464 – 505 CE), King Vrsadeva founded Swayambhunath during the beginning of 5th century. A damaged inscription of stone found at the place confirms to this fact. The site’s history dates back long before even the arrival of Buddhism in the valley of Kathmandu.
Although it is considered as a Buddhist site, the place is admired by both Hindus and Buddhists. The strongest king Pratap Malla of Kantipur, in addition to many others, has been known to pay his homage to this temple.
There is a dome at the base of the stupa, above it, a cubical structure is present with Buddha’s eyes looking in all the four directions. Above each side, there is a pentagonal Toran with engraved statues in them. There are thirteen tiers above and behind the torans. Above all tiers, a small space is given above which Gajur is situated.
On all four sides of this ancient structure the eyes of the Buddha are painted, staring from beneath black eyebrows. The nose, with the appearance of a question mark, is the Nepalese number ek (one), a symbol for unity. This stupa with its eyes is the most popular and recognisable symbol of Nepal. Each segment of the stupa has its meaning. The white base (look at all the birds) represents the elements earth, water, fire and air. The 13 gilded rings on the spire represent the 13 degrees of knowledge and the ladder to nirvana, symbolized by the umbrella at top.
The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. Pilgrims and tourists pass to Swayambhumath’s holy premises through a path of 365 steps. This site is listed as a World heritage site. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the Hill.
