Monkey Temple, Kathmandu -
Nestled atop a lush hill in the vibrant Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa stands as an eternal sentinel of peace and enlightenment with its mesmerizing gaze of the all-seeing Buddha eyes. More commonly known as the “Monkey Temple” for the sacred monkeys that inhabit its precincts, this ancient stupa is a timeless testament to Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage. As you ascend the stone steps leading to its lofty perch, you embark on a journey that transcends time, delving into the mystical history, spiritual significance, and awe-inspiring beauty of Swayambhunath.
In this place, Buddhism and Hinduism harmoniously converge, where pilgrims and travellers seek serenity, wisdom, and a connection with the divine. Join us as we explore the profound stories, rituals, and panoramic views that make Swayambhunath Stupa an iconic jewel in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Swayambhunath Temple Location
The address of Swayambhunath Temple is:
- Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal
The temple is located in the Swayambhunath Municipality of Kathmandu District. It is about 3 kilometers west of Kathmandu city center.
You can also use the following coordinates to find the temple:
- Latitude: 27°42′54″N
- Longitude: 85°17′24″E
Rich History and Spiritual Significance of Swayambhunath
History:
Swayambhunath Temple is one of Nepal’s oldest and most revered religious sites. Its origins are shrouded in legend, and it is believed to have existed for over 2,500 years. The name “Swayambhunath” means “self-emerged” or “self-existent,” suggesting that the stupa and temple complex have always existed on the hill, even before the Kathmandu Valley was settled.
According to local folklore, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake, and a lotus flower with a divine flame emanated from it. The flame eventually transformed into the hill where Swayambhunath now stands. Over time, various rulers and religious leaders have contributed to the temple’s architecture and development, resulting in today’s distinctive blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements.
Spiritual Significance:
- Buddhist Significance: Swayambhunath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site important to Buddhism. It is considered one of the most sacred stupas in Nepal. The central stupa, a white dome with all-seeing eyes of Buddha painted on its four sides, symbolizes the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. The stupa is adorned with prayer flags and wheels, and pilgrims circumambulate it clockwise while chanting mantras.
- Hindu Significance: Interestingly, Swayambhunath is also a revered site for Hindus. It is believed to be the abode of the Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and art. The hill on which the temple stands is often referred to as “Harati Mata” hill in the context of Hindu worship. As a result, the temple complex is a place where Buddhists and Hindus come to offer prayers and seek blessings.
- Symbol of Unity: Swayambhunath Temple symbolizes the religious harmony and tolerance Nepal is known for. Buddhists and Hindus coexist peacefully at the site, and it serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of Nepali spirituality.
- Tourist Attraction: Beyond its religious significance, Swayambhunath is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors worldwide. The temple’s hilltop location offers stunning panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, making it a popular spot for spiritual seekers and tourists seeking a glimpse of Nepal’s cultural heritage.
Architectural Wonders of Swayambhunath Temple
Here are some of the architectural wonders of Swayambhunath Temple:
- The white dome: The dome is the most striking feature of the stupa. It is made of white stucco and is decorated with 108 eyes. The eyes represent the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha.
- The golden spire: The spire is topped with a golden lotus flower. The lotus flower represents enlightenment.
- The prayer wheels: The stupa is surrounded by a walkway and a series of prayer wheels. The prayer wheels are inscribed with mantras and are turned clockwise by pilgrims as they circumambulate the stupa.
- The monkeys: Swayambhunath Temple is also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of the many monkeys living there. The monkeys are considered sacred and are often seen playing around the temple.
The architecture of Swayambhunath Temple is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The dome is a Hindu symbol, while the spire is a Buddhist symbol. The prayer wheels are a common feature of both Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Swayambhunath Temple in Buddhism and Hinduism
Swayambhunath Temple is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
- In Buddhism, Swayambhunath Temple is believed to be the self-arisen (swayambhu) Buddha. It is said that the stupa was created by Manjushri, a bodhisattva of wisdom, who drained a lake covering the Kathmandu Valley and revealed the hill on which it stands. The stupa is a symbol of enlightenment and is said to enshrine the remains of the Buddha.
- In Hinduism, Swayambhunath Temple is associated with Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. The dome of the stupa is seen as a representation of Shiva’s head, and the spire represents his trident. The monkeys that live in the area are also seen as sacred and are associated with Hanuman, a monkey god.
The temple symbolizes religious harmony and is a place where people of all faiths can meditate, pray, and seek blessings.
Best Time to Visit Swayambhunath Stupa
The best time to visit Swayambhunath Stupa is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when the sun is not too high in the sky and you will get the best views of the stupa.
Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Swayambhunath Stupa at different times of day:
Early morning:
- Pros: The stupa is less crowded and you will get the best views.
- Cons: It can be cold and foggy in the morning.
Late afternoon:
- Pros: The sun is not too hot and you will get the best sunset views.
- Cons: The stupa can be crowded in the afternoon.
If you visit Swayambhunath Stupa during the weekend, it is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours of Swayambhunath Stupa
Here are the entrance fee and opening hours of Swayambhunath Stupa:
- Entrance fee:
- Foreign nationals: NPR 200
- SAARC nationals: NPR 100
- Nepalese nationals: Free
- Opening hours:
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every day.
Celebrating Festivals at Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath Temple is a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus, a popular place to celebrate festivals. Some of the major festivals celebrated at Swayambhunath Temple include:
- Gunla Festival: This month-long festival celebrates the end of the rainy season. It is a time for prayer, meditation, and offerings.
- Buddha Jayanti: This is the festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. It is a time of great joy and celebration.
- Lhosar: This is the Tibetan New Year. It is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Indra Jatra: This is a festival dedicated to the Hindu god Indra. It is a time for colourful processions, masked dances, and the display of the living goddess Kumari.
- Diwali: This is the Festival of Lights. It is a time for family, friends, and celebration.
The temple is decorated with lights and flowers during these festivals, and there are many religious ceremonies and processions. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith.
How to Reach Swayambhunath Temple
There are many ways to reach Swayambhunath Temple. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Swayambhunath Temple. They are relatively inexpensive and can be found easily in Kathmandu. The fare from Thamel to Swayambhunath Temple is around NPR 400.
- Microbus: Microbuses are a cheaper option than taxis. They are also relatively easy to find, but they can be crowded. The fare from Thamel to Swayambhunath Temple is around NPR 100.
- Bus: Buses are the cheapest way to reach Swayambhunath Temple. However, they can be slow and crowded. The fare from Thamel to Swayambhunath Temple is around NPR 25.
- Walking: Swayambhunath Temple is about 2 kilometers from Thamel. It is a pleasant walk, and you can see some local sights along the way.
If travelling from the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Swayambhunath Temple. The taxi fare is around NPR 1000, and the bus fare is around NPR 200.
Once you reach Swayambhunath Temple, you can walk around the stupa, meditate, or make offerings at the many shrines and temples located around the stupa.
Here are some additional tips for reaching Swayambhunath Temple:
- If you are taking a taxi, agree on the fare before you get in the car.
- If you are taking a bus, ask the driver to let you know when you are near Swayambhunath Temple.
- Be mindful of your surroundings when you are walking around Swayambhunath Temple. The area can be crowded, and many people are begging.