Visiting the Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu
One of Nepal’s Oldest and Most Important Buddhist Temples
Aug 29, 2009
The Buddhist temple Swayambhunath is one of Kathmandu’s most important tourist attractions. This temple stands on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, with great views over the city. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple due to the large colony of lively resident monkeys, who like to run and play around the temple complex and are happy to eat any snacks offered by visitors.
History of Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath is one of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist temples. According to legend, the hill that Swayambhunath stands on rose from a lake that once covered the Kathmandu Valley. A lotus flower grew from the lake and settled on top of the hill, transforming into the stupa that is now known as Swayambhunath (meaning self-created or self-arisen). There may have been a shrine here already in the 1st century AD and the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka is said to have visited this site some 2000 years ago.
A long stairway leads to the temple up the east side of the hill. Pilgrims walk up the 365 steps, while others can take a taxi to the western side of the hill for less strenuous access. At the bottom of the stairway stands a large prayer wheel for visitors to spin to release prayers, and three large Buddha statues from the 17h century. Rows of colourful prayer flags decorate the trees around the stairway.
What to See in Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Temple
The eyes of the Buddha watch to four directions over the whitewashed stupa. Between the eyes of the Buddha is painted the Nepalese number one, a symbol of unity, while the third eye above the two Buddha eyes symbolizes the wisdom of looking within. Around the stupa are temples, images of the various Buddhas and small shrines.
While Swayambhunath is a Buddhist temple, Hindus visit this sacred site too. The Harati Devi Temple here is a popular Hindu temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Harati.
There are numerous other shrines around the temple complex, as well as an active monastery, a museum and a library. Northwest from the main stupa is the small Shantipur temple that, according to an interesting legend, contains a living holy man who has been meditating inside for 1500 years!
There are also shops in the temple complex that sell souvenirs, handicrafts and Buddha statues, and a café to have a cup of chai or coffee while admiring the views over Kathmandu.
Best Times to Visit Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu
Saturday is a busy day as Swayambhunath fills with Kathmandu’s residents. The Losar festival in February/March, the Buddha Jayanti in April/May and the Gunla in August/September are some of the biggest Buddhist festivals celebrated in Swayambhunath and attract large crowds of pilgrims.
Admission to Swayambhunath costs around US$1.50. It takes less than half an hour to walk from central Kathmandu to Swayambhunath via the Thamel area, or visitors can take a taxi straight to the top of the hill.
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