Kathmandu - Swayambunath

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Our next stop was Swayambunath temple complex which is also colloquially known as the "monkey temple". It was pretty amazing, and defintely another 'must see'. It is apparently Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine (not sure where Boudanath Stupa fits in the rating scale, beacuse it would also certainly seem to lay claim to this?).

Anyway, the temple is apparentlyaround 2000 years old. Its name means 'self created' . The legend goes that Kathmandu valley was once a great lake and a beautiful lotus grew in the center of the lake, and when the bodhisattva Manjusri drained the lake with a slash of his sword, this lotus flower settled on top of the hill and magically transformed into the stupa. Thus it is known as the Self-Created (swayambhu) Stupa.

Walking up gthe steps to the stupa and temple complex is a great experience. There's a few hundred steps that go nup to the top through a hillside full of trees. At the bottom of the stairway is a wonderful gate, with a huge Tibetan prayer wheel . (see pictures). Also around the gate are lots of smaller wheels.

We had a wonderful time walking around chatting to people, particularly a few monks monks having tea in a tiny cafe at the top...the proprietor was a lovely tibetan lady who we shared a few good laughs with.

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Photos

Swayanbunath: Scene 2
Pigeons swooping

Swayanbunath: Scene 4
The next generation of bonks - they wer having a lot of fun!

Swayanbunath: Scene 10
Lady on the street below