Kathmandu Swayambhunath Stupa – Nepal

Address

Kathmandu Swayambhunath Stupa -Kathmandu, Nepal 44600

Deity

Buddha

Introduction

• Location: An ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city.
• Names:
  • Tibetan name: Means “Sublime Trees” due to the variety of trees found on the hill.
  • Local name (Nepal Bhasa): Shing.kun, meaning “self-sprung.”
• Cultural Significance:
  • Central to the mythological history and daily religious practices of the Buddhist Newars.
  • Considered one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Complex Features:
  • Consists of a stupa, various shrines, temples, a Tibetan monastery, a museum, and a library.
  • The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on it, with the number one (in Devanagari script) depicted as a nose.
• Access Points:
  • A long staircase leading to the main platform from the east.
  • A car road around the hill leading to the south-west entrance.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • One of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, founded by King Vṛsadeva (great-grandfather of King Mānadeva) around the beginning of the 5th century CE.
  • Confirmed by a damaged stone inscription indicating work ordered by King Vrsadeva in 640 CE.
  • Emperor Ashoka is said to have visited the site.
• Renovation:
  • The stupa was completely renovated in May 2010 and re-gilded with 20 kg of gold.
• Mythological Origin:
  • According to the Swayambhu Purana, the valley was once a vast lake from which a lotus grew, giving rise to the name “Self-Created.”
  • The eternal self-existent flame (svyaṃbhu) led to the construction of the stupa.
• Monkeys:
  • Holy monkeys inhabit the north-west parts of the temple; believed to be transformed from head lice of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
  • Manjushri cut a gorge at Chovar to drain the lake, making the valley suitable for human habitation.

Special Features

• Stupa Structure:
  • Dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure with Buddha’s eyes painted on all four sides.
  • Pentagonal torana above each side with engraved statues.
  • Thirteen tiers above the torana, culminating in a small space topped with the Gajur.
• Symbolism:
  • The dome represents the entire world; awakening from worldly bonds leads to enlightenment.
  • The thirteen pinnacles symbolize the stages of spiritual realization required to achieve enlightenment or Buddhahood.
  • Large pairs of eyes represent Wisdom and Compassion.
  • Carvings of the Panch Buddhas (five Buddhas) on each side and statues of Buddhas at the base of the stupa.
• Nickname: Known as the “Monkey Temple” due to the large population of monkeys that inhabit the area, particularly active after pilgrims and priests leave.

Century/Period/Age

5th century CE.

Nearest Bus Station

Kathmandu

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul and Gorakhpur.

Nearest Airport

Tribhuvan International airport

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