Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

Kathmandu, Nepal

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Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, also known as Swayambhunath or the Monkey Temple, is a sacred Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the oldest religious sites in the country, believed to have been built around the 5th century CE by King Vṛsadeva, and it holds deep spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus.

According to legend, the Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake, and from its waters grew a radiant lotus flower whose light transformed into the eternal flame within the stupa. The Bodhisattva Manjushri is said to have drained the lake by cutting a gorge in the surrounding mountains, allowing the valley to appear and the lotus to become the hill where the stupa now stands.

The site is famous for its panoramic views of Kathmandu and the presence of many monkeys, which are considered sacred and are believed to have originated from lice on Manjushri's head as the hill was created. Swoyambhu Mahachaitya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known not only for its religious importance but also for its architectural beauty, blending Buddhist and Hindu elements, symbolizing harmony and ancient cultural heritage.