Swayambhu Stupa
Swayambhu means self-sprung or self-originated holy land. This Mahacchaitya, Swayambhu Stupa is known in Tibetan as ‘Phags pa Shin kun’ means sublime trees. This Stupa is also known as monkey temple which is not correct or misinterpretation made by someone in the previous guide books. This gorgeous Stupa is built in Vajrayana concept. The Stupa consists of a massive white dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure painted with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.
According to the ‘Swayambhu Chaitye Puran’, Kathmandu valley was known as ‘Nagha Daha’ means the lake of serpent. It is believed to be dating back to the beginning of the 15th century, built by King Manadeva of the Licchavi dynasty. Its origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu valley, draining the water out of the lake by Bodhisattva Manjushree. Swayambhu manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a Lotus and Goddess Manjushree let the water out by slashing a passage through the surrounding Chobar Hills to facilitate paying homage to Swayambhu Chaitye, thus making the valley inhabitable.
Shamarpa and Karmapa’s monastery in Swayambhu Chaitye Stupa was badly damaged by Nepal’s devastating earthquake on 25 April, 2015. A large number of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swayambhu throughout the day. Swayamabhu Stupa is Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine and the World Heritage Site in Nepal.