Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath ( nepali: स्वयम्भूनाथ स्तुप, Svayambhunath stup ) is a temple complex which is built to the west of Kathmandu on a hill. The dominant element of the temple is the Buddhist stupa, which is flanked by Kathmandu of view, clearly visible from two Hindu towers. As in many other places in Kathmandu Buddhist and Hindu holy sites are closely linked in Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath is considered next to Borobudur on Java, Indonesia, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world. The inner buildings are estimated to be about 2500 years further confinements took place later. According to legend, Swayambhunath is closely linked to the development of the Kathmandu valley.

At the foot of the hill is a stone slab with the footprints of Buddha. From there, a staircase with 365 steps, flanked by colorful characters and mani stones leads to the temple complex.

Due to the large population of monkeys living there Swayambhunath is also known as "Temple of the Apes".

Legend of Swayambhunath

Once the entire Kathmandu valley was a big lake. One day discovered Sadhus a lotus flower on the surface of the lake. For centuries, believers made ​​pilgrimages to the shores of the lake and worshiped the lotus flower as a symbol of God. One day, a luminous flame rose from the lotus cup, Swayambhunath was or rather created himself - so says his name: The -purchased from himself to God. The manifestation of the Buddha shone many more epochs until the Bodhisattva Manjushri from China after three around the lake a ravine in the southern hills and struck with the flow of water also disappeared the flame. The blue glowing lotus flower he planted on the hill of Swayambhunath.