Swayambhunath: My Perspective

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple.

In Newari name 'Swayambunath' means 'self-sprung'. The Buddhist Newars in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period.


A white pigeon, 'Symbol of Peace' takes a flight at Sawayambunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Feral pigeons take rest at Sawayambunath Stupa on Friday morning in Kathmandu, 8 June 2012. Many cityscape including religions temple and shrine like such are feeding ground for pigeon as devotee feed them grain every morning.