Swayambhu

 Source: Nepal Tourism Board

Swayambhu:

The history of the valley, according to legends, begins with Syambhu, or the "self excitment". In times uncharted by history, Bodhisatta Manjushree came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kahtmandu valley. From then on, the hilltop of the self-existent Lord has been a holy place.

Swayambhu's light was covered in time because few could bear its intensity. By the thirteen century, after many layers were added to the original structue that enveloped the Lord's power. a dome-like shape had been acquired. The stupas central mast was damaged and replaced at that time. Peripheral sources of power were discovered on hilltop as well and stupa, temples, and rest houses were built to honor them. Images of important deities, both Buddhist and Hindu, were also installed. Today, age-old statues and shrines dot the stupa complex.

Behined the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjushree  of Saraswati the goddess of learning .

Swyambhu is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world, and its worshippers are diverse from Newarnuns, Tibetan monks and Hindus. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in  a monastery next to the stupa.  Other monasteries here have huge prayer wheels, fine Buddhist paintings, and special butter lamps which may be lit after presenting monetary offerings.

Swayambhu is a major landmark of the valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathamandu valley. Devotees have climbed the steps on the eastern side for centuries. Statues of the Buddha, Mini Stupas, monasteries and monkeys make the climb to Swayambhu  which is fairly steep worthwhile. But for someone who is physically disabled or is pressed for time, the western road allows you to get off your transport almost at the base of the stupa.