Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious complex located on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It earned the name "Monkey Temple" due to the presence of sacred monkeys living in the northwest area of the temple. It is a revered pilgrimage site.

Swayambhunath Stupa was built around the 5th century and is the oldest relic in the Kathmandu Valley. The "dome" at the base of the temple symbolizes the entire world. When a person is liberated from the bonds of the worldly realm, their spiritual level rises. The thirteen spires at the top of the temple represent the thirteen stages of enlightenment that beings must pass through to reach Buddhahood. On the four walls of the main stupa, each side features a pair of eyes symbolizing wisdom and compassion, with a third eye above each pair. It is said that when the Buddha preached, the third eye emitted rays of cosmic light to convey messages to the world, attracting more interested beings to join. While those in hell could not hear the Buddha’s teachings, the cosmic light emitted during his sermons was believed to alleviate their suffering.

Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the area. Every morning before dawn, Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims climb the 365 steps from the eastern side of the hill, pass through the vajra and two stone guardian lions, and then circumambulate the stupa clockwise in reverence.

Swayambhunath

Must-visit reason: The oldest relic in the Kathmandu Valley

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Nepal[Nepal]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Bagmati Zone [Bagmati Zone]

City where the attraction is located: Kathmandu [Kathmandu]