Swayambhunath, Buddhist temple on hilltop in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Swayambhunath is a temple complex on a hill in Kathmandu, Nepal, that forms part of a World Heritage Site. The white stupa displays Buddha eyes on all four sides and rises above the city with views across the entire valley.
The temple emerged in the fifth century under King Vrsadeva on a hill already regarded as a sacred site. Ashoka visited the location in the third century before the common era and helped spread Buddhism throughout the region.
Both faiths share the temple, with pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and bowing before the many shrines. Monkeys move freely through the grounds and form part of the daily scene, while worshippers light butter lamps and place incense sticks.
The main approach climbs uphill through steps, while a second entrance to the southwest offers a gentler route. Early morning brings fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for the ascent.
Five statues surround the base and represent the Panch Buddhas, linked to the cosmic elements of ether, water, earth, fire, and air. A golden spire with thirteen tiers crowns the stupa and symbolizes the levels of enlightenment.
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