Divine Swayambhunath Temple, Nepal

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Entrance at Swayambhunath Temple

Stairway

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ) has designated almost 51 World heritage sites in South Asia. Swayambhunath is one of them in Nepal.

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in Kathmandu valley. It is a most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site and Tibetan Buddhism.

The temple has two access points , a long stairway with 365 steps on east side and another car road around the hill from southwest side with almost 65 steps. We took the route of 65 steps as it was impossible for us to climb 365 steps with kids and pressing time.

Swayambhunath complex

Another view of complex

The swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa , variety of shrines, temples, museum and a library. There is a proper shipping complex besides the stupa.

Different angle of complex

The stupa has Buddha eyes and eyebrows painted on , between them the number one (in devanagari script) is painted in a form of nose.

The word Swayambhu means “Self Created” or eternal self existent flame. Also known as “Monkey Temple” since three holy monkeys lived here.

It’s amongst oldest religious sites in Nepal.

Stupa

Peaceful and calm

The round white dome of stupa consists of dome at the base, above which is a cubicle structure with two Buddha eyes looking over Kathmandu valley is magnificient. There are pentagonal Toran present above each of four sides engraved in them. There is a distinct symbolism in itself with dome representing entire world. When a person is awakened (represented by eyes of wisdom and compassion) from the bonds of world, the person reaches enlightenment. The thirteen pinnacles on the top symbolize thirteen stages of spiritual realization. Above each pair of eyes is another eye representing cosmic rays of Buddha preachings. There are carvings of panch Buddhas on each of four side of stupas representing metaphorical senses in tantra yana.

Another view of valley from Swayambhunath Temple

Viewers looking through telescope

At the entrance

View of Kathmandu valley from top

As we reached there, a kind of peace and satisfaction creeped in. Cool breeze was blowing. We could see panaromic view of Kathmandu valley from there.

Each morning before dawn, hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims ascend and pray here.

Nidhi KM

About the Author: Nidhi KM

Founder of Viharin is Nidhi K M who is an avid traveller. She has visited multiple destinations across Europe, U.S.A, Mauritius, Maldives and countries in Asia. After a short stint as a travel blogger, Nidhi has started Viharin.com in November, 2014. In the journey so far, Nidhi has been instrumental in promoting various destinations of the world like London, Netherlands, Paris, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Vatican City, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Combodia and many more. With her efforts , Nidhi has taken Viharin.com to one of the top interesting travel blogs of the world. She has been mentioned in DLF City Magazine, Newspatrolling, Ayurveda Sutra, recognized as Guest of Honour by Institute of Technology and Science, Ghaziabad and more. Nidhi worked with American Express as a Manager. She has over 11 years of experience in the domain of Customer Relationship Management. She has received many rewards and recognitions for exceeding Organizational goals. Nidhi is supported by her husband who is a Consultant Radiologist by profession and amateur photographer with special interest in wildlife. Her immediately family also supports Nidhi in destination promotions. After schooling from Bal Bharti Public School, Delhi, Nidhi did Mathematics honours from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University and Masters in Information and Technology from Institute of Technology and Science.

Divine Swayambhunath Temple, Nepal