Swayambhu is a very important place because it represents self-awareness. It’s believed to have been built by Lord Manadeva around the 13th century, according to an inscription dating back to 460 AD. This temple holds great significance for Buddhists.
Legend has it that Swayambhu emerged from a lotus flower that blossomed in a lake in the Kathmandu Valley in ancient times. The largest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is located in the western part of the Swayambhunath Temple. There’s also a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and some believe it’s also dedicated to Goddess Manjushree, who is said to have created the Kathmandu Valley.
The base of the Stupa is surrounded by prayer wheels, and you can often see worshippers circumambulating around it and spinning the prayer wheels.
There are several important monuments to see around the Swayambhunath area, including a gold-plated Vajra (thunderclap) on the east side of the stupa, Buddha statues, a monastery, and a temple dedicated to Harati.
Getting up to the temple can be challenging, but there’s also a road for easier access. Both Hindu and Buddhist devotees visit the temple, showcasing Nepal’s religious harmony. Tourists need to pay an entry fee, with Indian and SAARC nationals charged NPR 50 and foreign nationals NPR 200.
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