The monkey temple

                   SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA

Resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. 


Some important monuments to see in this area :

• The huge gold plated Vajra ‘thunderbolt’ set in the east side of the stupa 
• Buddha statue on the west side of Swayambhu 
• The Sleeping Buddha
•  The Dewa Dharma Monastery, noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings 
• The temple dedicated to Harati, the goddess of all children. It is said that she was an ogress before Lord Buddha converted her to be the caretaker of all children.

Stairway to Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal