The Soyambhunath is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu. The source of the Valley’s mythical beginning is the golden spire of the 5th century. The Stupa is at the top of the hillock, with numerous monuments and temples, and colorful prayer flags. It is also called Monkey’s Temple. Swayambhunath is one of the most ancient, significant, and enigmatic religious complexes in Nepal. Located on a forested hillock west of Kathmandu city, it holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural importance for Buddhists and Hindus. There are two legendary histories about the formation of this Stupa. The religious mythology explains that there was a big lake (NAGDAHA) in this valley and a Buddhist Enlightened saint, Manjushree, went to the southern side of the valley and drained the water with the support of his magical divine sword, then transformed the Lotus flower seed into the shining place where the Stupa is standing now. Ecologist's explanation is different than religious mythology. As the ecologist, the lake was broken by the strong water wave produced by a disastrous earthquake that swept the softest part to the south, and water drained from Kathmandu.
Soyambhunath Stupa is a living Heritage, equally important for Buddhists and Hindus. Most of the shrines are combined for both Buddhist and Hindu religious aspects. Swayambhunath is a bustling center of daily life and religious practice. The air is filled with the sound of chanting, the smell of incense, and the vibrant colors of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Swayambhunath offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. The ascent via the eastern stairway (365 steps) is a physical pilgrimage that rewards visitors with a breathtaking cityscape.
Spiritual and Mythological Origins
Self-Created: The name "Swayambhunath" translates to "Self-Existent One." According to the 15th-century Buddhist scripture, the Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu Valley was once a great lake. A miraculous lotus, planted by a past Buddha, grew in the center of the lake and radiated a brilliant light. This "self-arisen" light became the focus of worship.
Creation of Kathmandu Valley: Legend holds that the Bodhisattva Manjushri, upon seeing the radiant lotus, decided to drain the lake to make the site more accessible. With his great sword, he cut a gorge in the surrounding mountains, which drained the water and created the Kathmandu Valley as we know it today. The hill where the lotus rested became the Swayambhunath Stupa.
Religious Harmony
Fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism: Swayambhunath is a remarkable example of Nepal's unique religious harmony. Although it is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site, it is also revered by Hindus. The complex includes numerous Buddhist shrines and monasteries, as well as Hindu temples, such as the prominent Harati Devi Temple dedicated to the goddess of smallpox. This coexistence reflects centuries of shared faith and mutual respect between the two religions.
Pilgrimag Site: For both Buddhists and Hindus, Swayambhunath is a sacred place of pilgrimage. Devotees perform circumambulations (walking clockwise around the stupa), spin prayer wheels, and light butter lamps to earn religious merit and find inner peace.
Iconic Architecture and Symbolism
The All-Seeing Eyes: The most recognizable feature of the stupa is the pair of large, painted eyes on all four sides of its cubic base. These "All-Seeing Eyes" represent the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, who is said to be watching over the entire Kathmandu Valley.
Symbolic Structure: The entire stupa is rich in symbolism. The white dome represents the earth, while the thirteen golden spires above it symbolize the thirteen stages a human being must pass through to achieve enlightenment or nirvana. Between the eyes, a mark that resembles a question mark is actually the Nepali number "1," signifying the unity of all things and the one path to enlightenment.
Vajra: At the top of the main stairway, a huge, gilded Vajra (thunderbolt) is placed. It is a powerful symbol in Vajrayana Buddhism, representing the indestructibility of spiritual power and the attainment of enlightenment.
Historical Significance and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ancient Monument: Historical records, including a stone inscription, confirm that Swayambhunath was an important Buddhist pilgrimage site by the 5th century AD, though its origins are believed to be much older.
Resilience: The stupa has endured invasions, natural disasters, and the passage of time. The main structure even survived the devastating 2015 earthquake, a testament to its robust construction and spiritual significance. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural, historical, and architectural value.
