Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist religious stupa situated on the top of the hill in the western part of the Kathmandu city. It is also famous by the name of Monkey Temple as there are a lot of monkeys living around the north west part of the temple and also famous for the many varieties of the trees found at the hill in which Swayambhunath temple resides.
It is said that the stupa had been built during the Lichhivi regime in Nepal. It is a Tibetan type monastery which has museum, library and many more things added in recent era. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on it. It is also said that Lord Buddha watches the entire valley with his eyes from Swayambhunath to see the peace happening in the valley. There is also a symbol in between the eyes which seems to be like a nose but it is said that it is a symbol of unity.
The site has two access points, a long stairway having 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance.
