Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist Stupa located to the northwest of Kathmandu on top of a green hill, providing a 360-degree view of Kathmandu. The meaning of Swayambhu in Nepal Bhasa is ‘self-sprung.’ The Stupa surrounded by Chaityas, Statues, and Shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities. It displays a harmonious relation between them. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. According to the myth, Manjushri, a wise and knowledgeable bodhisattva, traveled from China to Nepal. He was witness a beautiful lotus in the lake. Impressed by its glow, he used his sword to cut a gorge at Chobhar, draining the water and making Kathmandu valley inhabited to everyone. While the exact construction date of Swayambhu is unknown, it believed to be the oldest Stupa in Nepal, existing for over 2,000 years. The earliest evidence of the Stupa dates back to the 5th century. According to local legend, King Vrsadeva, the great-grandfather of King Manadeva, initiated the construction of Swayambhunath. Various shrines and temples around the Stupa were built between 400 and 750 CE. Known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is home to numerous monkeys considered ‘holy monkeys.’ The story goes that Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, let his hair grow while raising the Swayambhu hill, resulting in head lice that transformed into the monkeys. Hence, it is also referred to as the Monkey Temple.
Located at the base of Swayambhu hill (dada), there is Swayambhu Buddha Park, home to Nepal’s largest Buddha statue, constructed in 2003. This park offers as a popular open space for relaxation, recreation and Socialising from the city’s hustle and bustle. The towering golden figures of Shakyamuni Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Avalokitesvara serve not only as landmarks but also as symbols of the rich cultural and significance.
The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands at 67 feet, while the other two measure 64 feet each. Shakyamuni Buddha, positioned in the centre, exudes a calming presence with a serene facial expression, holding a giant bowl believed to contain the nectar of immortality. To his left, the compassionate Avalokitesvara is portrayed The thousand-armed Avalokitesvara possesses—of which 992 are extended in the ultimate gesture of giving—represent a thousand Chakravartins (universal monarchs), and Avalokitesvara’s body stands for complete perfection. They also symbolize Avalokitesvara’s desire to safeguard all beings in a variety of ways. On the right, Guru Padmasambhava with a more intense expression is credited with revealing tantric teachings to the world.
There are various routes to reach the Swayambhu Stupa. Recently, a motor-road has been constructed to facilitate the journey for travellers with physical disabilities and health issues. However, the main entrance to the Stupa is discreetly situated on the east side of Swayambhu hill. Access involves climbing 365 steps, each believed to symbolize different stages of human life.
During the ascent, one can encounter the well-known monkeys in their natural environment. Additionally, there are stone statues of peacocks, lions, Chaityas, and local souvenir stalls along the way. The hike may be challenging for those who are not used to uphill walking. As you approach the summit, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtakingly panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by lofty hills—a truly amazing experience.
Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a place where many playful monkeys live and make everyone happy. These monkeys climb on walls, swing from trees, and play together. People believe in stories that say these monkeys protect the temple.
People think these monkeys are special and bring good luck. Many visitors come to the temple just to see these monkeys. The monkeys are usually friendly, but they can be a bit protective of their space. It is important to be careful, as they might take food or shiny things from tourists. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep your things safe.
Dewa Dharma Mahavihar is an old Buddhist monastery on the west side of Swayambhu hill, and it has been around since 1780. A Lama from Bhutan started it, and it follows the Drupa Kagyupa lineage, a part of the Kagyupa tradition. The original building got damaged around the 1800s, but a queen from Sikkim helped rebuild it.
Nowadays, Dewa Dharma Mahavihar is a special place for people who come to do rituals at the Harati temple and Swayambhu Stupa. Even though it got destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, they are fixing it up to make it nice again. The monastery stands as a testament to a rich history, architectural elegance, and the spiritual significance of Buddhism in Kathmandu.
The Shantipur Temple in Swayambhu has a fascinating history and legends. Originally named Akashpur, it was later changed to honor the tantric master, Shantikar Acharya. At the entrance, there are powerful guardian statues, and inside, the walls feature beautiful hand-painted scenes inspired by the “Swayambhu Purana.”
Within the temple, there’s a special inner sanctum where it’s believed that Shantikar Acharya still meditates near a magical pool and a mysterious cave. Only the oldest Buddhist tantric priest from the Buddhacharya family at Swayambhu Stupa can access this inner chamber twice a month for ceremonies.
The Shantipur Temple is significant in Swayambhu’s history, attracting visitors with its legends and unique atmosphere. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of Swayambhu and gives a glimpse into its spiritual and mystical past.
King Pratap Malla wanted to make the Swayambhu Stupa look more impressive, so he decided to build two fancy temples next to it. At first, some people didn’t like the idea, but the King got permission to build them. He named the northern one after himself, Pratappur, and the southern one after his second queen, Anantapur.
These special temples always kept their doors close, only opening on rare religious occasions. Beneath Anantapur, there is a stone writing where King Pratap Malla praised the goddess Ekajata Vajrayogini, confirming that the temples were finished the right way with proper rituals.
Even though the King tried hard to protect the temples, they faced damage from fire and lightning two times. Unfortunately, the 2015 earthquake also destroyed them, but the Nepali government helped fix them, and they were fully reconstructed in 2019.
Hariti (Ajima) is like a caretaker and promised to do five things, such as taking care of Swoyambhu, looking after kids, and going wherever Buddha is respected. You often see pictures of her with many kids around. People visit the temple to perform special rituals, asking the goddess to protect their children from getting sick.
The temple is really shiny with gold because generous people who truly believe in and love Hariti Maa donated money for it. It’s one of the many buildings on Swayambhu hill and demonstrates how much people trust the goddess and believe she keeps them safe.
The Swayambhu Buddhist Museum is devoted to highlighting the diverse cultural and historical legacy of Buddhism in Nepal. Inside, there’s a wide range of Buddhist items like artefacts, manuscripts, texts, and paintings, giving you a peek into the religion’s history in the country. Visitors can explore ancient scriptures, Thangkas, wood carvings, and other special items on exhibit.
A standout feature of the museum is its Tibetan-style Mandala paintings, showcasing detailed designs that represent the universe. Additionally, the museum displays a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, including hand-written Buddhist texts and prayer books, offering a deep dive into the teachings and beliefs of the religion. Don’t forget to set aside some time for the museum, as it’s filled with enjoyment and free to enter.
