An easy to reach popular temple along the western outskirts of Kathmandu city Swayambhunath is more commonly known as The Monkey Temple. The main entrance has 365 stone steps which need to be climbed before you reach the temple complex (can be tiring and slippery if raining). Swayambhunath was founded by the great-grandfather of King Mānadeva at the beginning of the 5th century. The main attraction is a large white stupa surrounded by many small shrines and temples. Did you know? Swayambhunath got it's name "Monkey Temple" because Manjushree, the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning was raised on the hill which the Swayambhunath Temple now stands on. He grew his hair long and head lice grew. It is said that the head lice transformed into the monkeys that now live around the temple.
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