Swayambhu Temple is one of the most famous sites in Kathmandu. The temple is crowded with Tibetan priests, monks, vajrayana Buddhist and the Newar nuns in Kathmandu, who are ardent worshipers of Swayambhu.
Origin of Swayambhu Stupa and Temple
The Swayambhu stupa dates back much earlier to the 5th century. According to legends, in the Kathmandu Valley, a Buddhist follower planted a magical lotus, which floated on the lake that used to cover the valley. Later on, Bodhisattva Manjusri made a gorge where the waters were drained out to form a valley. The people resided on the valley, which was called as a Kathmandu Valley. To worship this lotus, which was known to impart enlightenment to the worshipers, many saints, pilgrims, divinities traveled from far and wide. This place was named as Swayambhu, which meant self-existent or self created. The lotus was
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converted into a hill and the Swayambhu temple lies on top of the hill. The light, which the flower radiated, became the Swayambhu stupa.
Features of Swayambhu Temple
Swayambhu feature Buddhist artwork, butter lamps and large wheels for prayers. The huge statue of Buddha with colorful carved decoration is the main attraction of the temple. There are 365 stairs leading up to the temple. At the entrance of the stairs there is a statue of Lord Buddha, a vajra and two lions statues. The stupa has four sides and on each of the sides, a pair of eyes has been carved. These eyes symbolize the eyes of god. In place of the nose, number 1 in Nepali language has been marked. Another popular name of the Swayambhu Stupa is Monkey Temple. This is because monkeys are seen loitering all around the temple when the worshipers and devotees have left the place.
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