Swoyambhu literally means 'Self-Existent
One.' Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500
years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction
was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century
Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site.
The history of Kathmandu Valley is said
to have started with the beginning of Swoyambhu. The largest image of
the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa.
Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the
goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities
dot the stupa complex.
Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus
alike visit Swoyambhunath. Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place to
observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is atop a hill, and
requires considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to
the base of the statue.
Some important monuments to see in this
area are:
Swoyambunath
Swoyambhunath
seen on hill-top from east
The huge gold plated Vajra
set in the east side of the stupa.
Buddha statue at the backside
of Swoyambhu
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, who
is now worshipped.
The Dewa Dharma
Monastery, noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan
paintings.
