The Monkey Temple
The Swayabhunath temple is on the top of a steep hill. There are stairs to climb to the top; we were driven part way but still had many stairs to climb. This is a place of peace. It is one of the holiest Buddhist places in Nepal, and it has many Hindu temples as well. I wss fascinated that both practices seemed to abide together without conflict. It is a perfect example of religious harmony. People from both traditions come here to mediate and for ceremonies and other rituals.
The Tibetan name for the site means “Sublime Trees” because of the diversity of trees on the hill. However, the Nepalese name means “ Self-Sprung.”
The complex consists of a stupa several shrines and temples, and a Tibetan monastery, museum, and library. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on it. Between them the number 1 is painted to look like a nose. (Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of this.)
As we arrived at the top of the staircase (yes even though we drove to the car park, there were still stairs), we were met by the Vajra. The Vajra, a thunderbolt scepter, symbolizes irresistible force and power. Behind it is the Stupa with it’s vast, white dome. At the top of the dome were two giant Budda eyes looking down at the valley below.
Above is the Vajra; beside it show the view. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for us, but you can imagine it.
Legend has it that Swayambhu was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of a lake that once spread across the Kathmandu Valley. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal sits on a high pedestal on the western boundary of Swayambhu beside the Ring Road.. The base of the hill is almost entirely surrounded by prayer wheels and deities. Devotees can be seen circumambulating the stupa at all times.
If you look closely, would will see monkeys all over the monuments and grounds. They were everywhere, hence the name Monkey Temple.