The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, including a Tibetan monastery, a museum and a library. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, there is something painted which looks like the nose - but is the Nepali symbol of 'unity', in the main Nepali language dialect. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance. The first sight on reaching the top of the stairway is the Vajra.Much of Swayambhunath's iconography comes from the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. However, the complex is also an important site for Buddhists of many schools, and is also revered by Hindus.

Baudanath Stupa:


Boudanath temple like Swayambhunath, is listed in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is biggest stupa in Nepal, which is built around 5th century. It is a hemispherical dome, like other Buddhist stupas and has a harmika with Buddha eyes and the 13 steps of the spire. It is believed that the relics of the great Buddha Kasyapa is being buried inside the stupa: due to which it is greatly worshipped by the Buddhists. There are numerous monasteries within the perimeter of the stupa, where Buddhists within the country, Tibetans or foreign students house, to live close to their symbol of the spiritual master. Due to noticeable amount of Tibetans and Buddhists living there, the area is also called mini Tibet.

Buddhanilkantha:

Buddhanilkantha is situated in the northern suburbs of the Valley just at the foot of Mt. Shibapuri, this is an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu Narayan. So the locality is also known as Narayanthan. He lies in a bed of serpents amidst the pious pool and seems to float on water. The surrounding pond actually represents the sea. The reclining statue was built in the 5th century A.D. The season of religious celebration here takes place right after the festival of Tihar. Although it is a renowned spot of worship, the reigning king of Nepal (may it be contemporary or any Hindu monarch) may not visit this place for reasons particularly unknown. Thus to please the king a replica of it has been built elsewhere if he wishes to visit it much.
previous page...