Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. It is very interesting place to visit. According to the historical record in stone inscription it was already an important destination for the Buddhist pilgrimage by the fifth century AD. According to the ancient legends, Kathmandu was full of water lake and there was a mysterious lotus in the middle of the lake. The lotus mysteriously radiated a brilliant light, and the name of the place came to be Swayambhu, meaning 'Self-Created or Self-Existent'. At that time Bodhisatva Manjushri came in Kathmandu and he thought that if the water were drained out of the lake Swayambhu would become easily accessible to pilgrims. manjushri cut a gorge in the mountains surrounding the lake with his great sword. After that the water dried out and became beautiful Kathmandu valley.
Hindus, Bajrayan Buddhist from the Tibet and northern part of Nepal and the Newari Buddhist come to worship. Every morning in the dawn thousands of pilgrims climb up the stairs towards the Stupa. In the top of the hill there is a big Stupa with a pair of eyes. These are considered as the God's all-seeing perspective. Buddhist people don't believe in worship of idols but they only participate in the prayer. The stupa is totally filled with the chaityas, temples and different kinds of painting which represents about the religious aspect. This is very fascinating place from where we can see whole Kathmandu valley. It is very pleasing to climb up stairs and after reach seeing the beautiful valley near the eyes. It is one of the great destination for all kinds of devotees. Here we can get peaceful environment and panoramic view.