SwayambhuNath Temple

Roosted on top of the Semgu Slope situated in the edges toward the west of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu sanctuary is one of the main strict places of worship in the city of Kathmandu. With a wite arch stupa and a variety of sanctuaries, this spot attracts individuals to it every day. Circumnavigating the sanctuary a clockwise way is a typical practice among the explorers since it is accepted to wash away all the transgressions. The sanctum is probably the holiest site among the Buddhists and Tibetans and is second just to the Master Boudha for them. Likewise alluded to as the Swayambhunath Sanctuary, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, this heavenly spot of love has been in presence for a few centuries and has neglected the more noteworthy segment of the Kathmandu Valley from that point onward. Inferable from the few monkeys which have made the territory around the complex their perpetual home, this sanctuary has additionally procured the eccentric moniker of the "Monkey Sanctuary". When you are inside the sanctuary, make a point to climb the 365 stages to arrive at the top and take in the pleasant, all-encompassing perspective on the capital city of Kathmandu. 

It is written in the Swayambhu Purana that the entire Kathmandu Valley surrounding the temple used to be filled with a lake that attracted large groups of masters and saints. The Buddha Vipassana was one such saint who visited the lake and threw a lotus seed into the waters. From this seed grew a large and beautiful lotus, in the center of which appeared a stupa that had risen by itself. Hence the place acquired the name, Swayambhunath, which means the 'self-existent one' or 'self-created'.

The Tibetan name for the area stands for 'Sublime Trees' because of the tree varieties found here.

In addition to the tale behind the name Swayambhunath Temple, its nickname, the Monkey Temple, also has an interesting backstory to it. It is believed that Manjushri, who was the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Learning, was brought up on the hillock on which the temple stands today. He is said to have grown his hair long, thus inviting head lice to it. Each of these head lice is believed to have transformed into a different monkey, all of which live near the temple at present.

Extra Info

Timings: 24 hours

Entry Fee: Foreign Nationals: NPR 200
SAARC Nationals: NPR 50
Nepalese citizens: No entry fee

 

Note (Things to remember)

Do not hurt the monkeys, but be careful with your belongings around them