Visit the incredible Swayambhunath stupa Kathmandu, Nepal
Swayambhunath Stupa is a religious and pilgrimage destination of Nepal popular between Buddhist and Hindu religious people. Swayambhunath is the majestic view point of Kathmandu valley located west of Kathmandu. Swayambhunath stupa is also known as monkey temple.
It is one of the oldest religious temples of Nepal. It is situated on the western side of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is one of the famous Buddhist Shrine. The dome is visible from miles away from this point. There is a variety of shrine, accompanied with the main shrine. A monastery and a library are the latest construction on this site.
The main stupa has a painting of Buddhist eyes. Between the eyes number one is depicted in the fashion of a nose. There is a long stairway, with 365 steps.
Mythology of Swayambhunath stupa
According to the book of Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu valley was once in the form of a huge lake. The monkeys of this temple are holly. It is said that, Manjushri, who is as creating the hill on which the temple is constructed. He had long hairs, and hair lice grew on them.
It is said that these hair lice transformed into these holy monkeys. The huge lake had one lotus. The lotus traveled to Swayambhunath to worship it. Finally, the lotus formed into a hill, and water drained out of the valley.
History behind Swayambhunath stupa
This temple was constructed by the great grandfather of king Manadeva. The time of construction is approximately 5th century BC. There were constructions after that. The latest innovation is in May 2010. The dome was guided with 20kg of gold.
Things of visit at Swayambhunath stupa
Though the temple has 365 steps, but you can reach the base within 20 minutes from Kathmandu. You can also take a cab to visit the stupa.
You will also find a beautifully painted Tibetan prayer wheel at the bottom of the stairs, it is 12 feet tall, and it needs two people to turn it. There are also many small wheels for the devotees and visitors.
Taking the stairways will also give you another level of experience, it runs through the forest.
Along with the main stupa, there are numerous other shrines, with was donated by kings and lamas. One of the important among them is Harati Devi temple.
Swayambhunath stupa travel guide
Everest base camp trek Annapurna base camp trek
Everest view trek Poon hill trek
Jiri to Everest base camp trek Upper mustang trek
Gokyo lakes trek Annapurna circuit trek
Langtang valley trek Kanchenjunga base camp trek
Makalu base camp trek Manaslu circuit trek
Rolwaling valley trek Lower dolpo trek
Upper dolpo trek Around Dhaulagiri trek
Kathmandu sightseeing Kathmandu tours
Swayambunath is one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist monasteries and it has an ancient atmosphere. Stupa is a cultural world heritage site declared by UNESCO. If you need more information about Monkey temple entrance fee the cultural World heritage sites of Nepal fell free to contact us.