Swayambhu Stupa

Overview of Swayambhu hill and Kathmandu valley


photo: .jung

In the west-north side, in front of the main shrine Sri Samhengu Mahavihara (kwaapachhen), behind the Hariti temple of Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, there is an open space bounds with a multi structure of chaityas erected in various styles by different devotees at different times. This is a place with different kinds of chaityas so it is also known as “Chaitya Park ”.

We can’t find this type of place elsewhere in the Kathmandu Valley with such a large number of chaityas. Because of varity of chaityas this place also called as an open museum for chaityas.

Chaityas in this place are as follows :
Asoka Chaitya (Licchavi Chaitya)
Sikharakutta Chaitya
Vajradhatu Chaitya
Bodhisattva Chaturvyuha Chaitya
Jalaharyopari Jinalankrta Chaitya
Dharmadhatu Jinalankrta Chaitya
Jvalavaliyukta Chaitya
Astakonakrti Padmachaitya
Chaturvyuha Buddha chaitya
Sumeru chaitya

Source: www.swoyambhustupa.com/chaityas-monuments

📷.jung

Karma Raja Maha Vihar is Buddhist Monastery located in north side of Swayambhu, right next to the Stupa. Famous for magnificent Buddha Statue.

Badly damaged during 2015 earthquake, had to be demolished and rebuilt from the fundaments.

More: https://swoyambhustupa.com/karma-raja-maha-vihar/

Source: www.swoyambhustupa.com/harati-ajimaa-temple/⁠
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📷.jung

Swayambhu, Swayambhunath, full of roaming monkeys. but it is not monkey temple!

Swayambhu is buddhist temple complex, holy site venerated by all devotees, buddhists and well as hindu.

In hinduism, there is Monkey God Hanuman, who has his own temples and shrines.

In 1970's seeing lot of monkeys, tourists started calling Swayambhu "Monkey Temple", however it is a mistake to do it so.

What are your thoughts about it?

photo by: Magda Jung

Swayambhu prayer flags in a wind, spreading wishes of kindness and compassion to the world.

📷.jung

Red Stupa with Relics of 10th Shamarpa⁠, located next to Harati Temple.⁠
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📷.jung

Harati Temple ⁠
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On the northwest side of the Swoyambhu stupa stands traditional nepali multi roofed (Pagoda) style temple where resides the Goddess hariti (harati maa) and also called “Ajima”. The word “Ajima” comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, “Aji” meaning grandmother and “Ma” meaning mother. Yet she is sometimes called Sitalamaju, the deity of smallpox.⁠
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Source: www.swoyambhustupa.com/harati-ajimaa-temple/⁠
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📷.jung

On the western side of the Swoyambhu hill there is a statue of standing bodhisattwa with gesture of prediction about three meters high.

This image known as ‘Deva Avatar Bodhisattwa’, one of the one hundred and eight Bodhisattwas. Previously, this attractive image was installed facing north direction outside the Jyoti Kriti Mahavihar, along the northern pathway. Now it’s being transferred in chapel on the corner behind the Mahavihar, facing east because of the Mahavihar was renovated last time. The image believes to be installed during the reign of King “Thunku Kirat” in the 7th century. The skilled artist has been successful making this image from single dark grey stone. His right leg appears to be moving slightly forward, while the left one extends behind, as though travelling for the benefit of sentient beings. His right hand displays the giving gesture and his left hand holds a corner of his robe near the shoulder. This is called the ‘mudra of prediction’.

Source: www.swoyambhustupa.com/stone-buddha-statue-from-7th-ce/
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📷.jung

Harati Temple

On the northwest side of the Swoyambhu stupa stands traditional nepali multi roofed (Pagoda) style temple where resides the Goddess hariti (harati maa) and also called “Ajima”. The word “Ajima” comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, “Aji” meaning grandmother and “Ma” meaning mother. Yet she is sometimes called Sitalamaju, the deity of smallpox.

Source: www.swoyambhustupa.com/harati-ajimaa-temple/

📷.jung