A Day Spent at Swayambhunath Temple

A Day Spent at Swayambhunath Temple

It is known to everyone that Nepal is the birth place of Gautam Budhha and gets its identity all over the world through Buddha himself. It is no surprise that Hindus and Buddhists have been living in peace and harmony for centuries now. Both Hindus and Buddhists have respected each other for a long time. One of the indicators of this peace and harmony is symbolized by Swayambhunath Temple which also falls in the list of oldest Temples of Nepal. The story of this temple goes back to 5th Century A.D. At this time, it had already been established as pilgrimage for Buddhists but its origin is believed to be even older.

Swayambhunath alongside Hindu Temple

Stairway to Swayambhunath(about 365 steps)

So I decided to visit the Temple myself and explore the Temple Premises. This temple is in an accessible area and lies on the Ring Road which makes anyone reach the Temple easily. When I reached the Temple, I had to struggle climbing the never ending stairs of about 365 steps to the top. But the green forest around gives a pleasant feeling and thus at the top I got to witness the mighty Dome-shaped temple with equally attractive Golden Spires on the top of it. Similarly, the Buddha's Eyes on all the four sides of the temple simply made it wonderful.

Front View of Swayambhunath

Things to do in Swayambhunath

Well, while I was at the Temple, I got to do the following things and gain pleasant experience out there which every visitors should experience.

1) Observing Monks praying and meditating

It is one of the pleasant things to do while visiting the Temple. We can enjoy Monks prayers in their Buddhist Styles and Buddhist Musical Instruments. Also, anyone can take part in their prayers and get chance of new experience.

2) Site-seeing

The temple is located at great height and so it is clearly visible in comparison to other structures around. Therefore it is a great place to have a view of different angles of Kathmandu City from all around the Temple. Also the environment is pleasant with fresh air and peace which every person wants to enjoy.

3) Visiting Hindu Temple alongside Swayambhunath Temple

As I have already mentioned Hindus and Buddhist have lived in harmony among each other, the Hindu Temple built alongside the Swayambhunath is best example of my words. So visitors can offer prayers there too. And sadly, photographs are not allowed inside the temple.

Monkey carrying baby on its back

4) Watching and playing with the Holy Monkeys

Yes the monkeys of this place are called Holy Monkeys and it is quite fun lazing around to see the mischiefs of the monkeys. Sometimes they fight among themselves while sometimes they snatch foods from people and make children cry.

5) Visiting the wish pool

It is quite common to have wish pools in the Temples of Nepal. Similarly, here also there is a wish pool in which people throw coins and wish whatever they want with a belief that Swambhunath will fulfill their wills.

Buddha in the middle of wish pool