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This
is believed to be 25 centuries old and stands as one of the
world’s oldest Buddhist Chaityas (Stupa). The great Stupa of
Swayambhu is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. It
is indeed listed a world Heritage site of Culture to prove that it
serves as the nerve centre of faithful worship for all the devout
Buddhists of the universe. Swayambhu embraces the authentic
philosophy of Bajrayan in Particular and honour Lord Adi Buddha. It
is dedicated to self-originating flame god. The Stupa, which forms
the salient structure, is well composed of a solid hemisphere of
terra-cotta bricks and soil supporting a cornice of copper and gilt.
Painted in the four-sided base of the spare are the all-seeing eyes
of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the valley
distinguishing between vice and virtue. It is some 2miles west of
Kathmandu City, proper across the holy Bishnumati River. Situated on
the top of a hillock, it is about 77m above the level of the valley.
The whole hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda Temples
possessing great dignity plus beauty. There also exist six big
Buddhist monasteries in all – 5 Mahayan (Lamaist) and one Hinyan (Therbadist).
On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is
called Manjushree. This compassionate Chinese Buddha is the god of
Knowledge.
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