Nepal 97 Travelog : the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, near Kathmandu (4/24)

<BODY BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT = "#ABCBBE"> Swayambhunath is a Buddhist stupa on a western hill of Kathmandu.<P> According to the legends, the history of the Valley starts with Swayambhu, "the self-existent". 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree : he came across a beautiful lake during one of his travel and saw a "celestial lotus" that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center. In order to drained the waters to worship the lotus, he cut a gorge in a southern hill. Then, men started to settle on the bed of the lake : Kathmandu was created.<BR> I knew very little about Bhuddhism before this journey. But, I bought some books in Kathmandu and visited numerous bouddhist site on the net since. One of them provides this very interesting quotes about the meaning of the stupa : "Unique among all forms of sacred architecture, the stupa is a pure symbol of enlightenment, the primordial sacred structure for all Buddhist traditions. All the forms of a stupa connect the inner realm of experience with the outer physical cosmos. Constructed and empowered according to the sacred texts, the stupa becomes a gateway joining inner and outer, merging the innermost heart of enlightenment with the infinite Dharmadhatu" So, the stupa of Swayambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, which represents four elements : earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the top spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to nirvana, the final salvation. <BR> Today, the age-old statues and shrines of the stupa complex illustrate the religious harmony and the complex blending of Hinduism and Buddhism of Nepal as its worshippers are from different origins : Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, and Brahmin priests…<BR> On the eastern side, after a very steep path of 365 steps, the entrance of the stupa is graced by a huge vajra (the symbol of thunderbolt).<BR> Swayambhunath is also called the "Monkey temple", due to the numerous monkeys running freely around the stupa.<BR> From the stupa, you have an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley<BR> </BODY>