Swayambhunath Temple – Monkey Temple
Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most oldest Shrine in Nepal. The monument is believed to be self created and the history of the monument backs to the 5th Century. It is also known as the Monkey temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. Swayambhunath complex is comprised of several other temples and shrine some dating back to the Licchavi period and museum, library and Tibetran monastery are recently added.
Brief History :
Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. There are several legends which describe Swayambhunath was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of the Kathmandu which was a big lake at that time. Then the warrior named Manjushree came from China and he drained the water from the Kathmandu Valley and worshiped this grandeur monument. The largest image of Gautama Buddha in Nepal was recently built on the western boundary of Swayambhunath.
Quick Facts:
Stupa symbolizes body of the Buddha which is nothing other than the cosmos itself.
Semi-closed eyes looking the valley from all 4 directions
Main body is a huge white dome in the form of a flattened hemisphere.
Treasure House of valuable artifacts of bronze and stone images and miniature chaityas.