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. The temple underwent a major renovation in 2010 which included over 20kg of gold to re-gild the dome. The Anantapur shrine (one of the large white chedis) was destroyed during the April 25th earthquake in Nepal. The monastery at the back of the stupa was also damaged. However the vast majority of Swayambhunath survived. Details can be found in my guidebook below. There are a couple of very small local eateries at the top. The monkeys found at Swayambhunath are Rhesus Macaques. Swayambhunath is easily pronounced " Swahi - an - boon - eth " History of Swayambhunath Both ancient scriptures and historical evidence states that Kathmandu Valley was once submerged in water. Mythology says that from this lake a single lotus blossom emerged. The valley then became known as Swayambhu or “self-created”. A secondary legend tells of a temple that sprang from a lake which had an eternal flame over which Swayambhunath was then built. There is a written testament that suggests King Varsadeva built a temple here at the beginning of the 5th century. There is also a damaged stone tablet at the site which confirms that King Mānadeva had work done here in 640AD. What is known is that Swayambhunath most likely arose from a series of smaller temples on the hill. These smaller temples finally merged into the large stupa that we see today. King Pratap Malla built the long stairs that leads to the stupa during the 17th century. Must see highlights Climb the full 365 steps to the top - take a breather on the way up to enjoy the small stupas, monkeys and watch vendors prices go up! Circle the stupa at the very top Do visit the small temples and shrines around the main stupa Visit one of the many singing bowl stores in the back streets at the top Enjoy the view of Kathmandu from the top If you have time walk down the stairs behind the stupa to the world peace pond. There are sometimes some local artisans along these steps. Beware of the monkeys - they steal food, shiny objects and will take things from your hand or bag! Likewise beware of souvenir store prices around Swayambhunath - a 200rps singing bowl might set you back 2,000rps here. Looking for more? Read about the secret places to visit around Swayambhunath. The Vajra (Lightning Bolt) Just before you reach the top of the steps as the impressive stupa comes into view you’ll come across the huge vajra or lightning bolt that’s set upon a mandal with animals shown at its base. The main stupa It is rumored that in the 14th century Mughal raiders broke the dome in search of gold. Later on British troops found gold in the nearby forests. Since then the stupa has been repaired many times over. It’s also here that you will notice the giant eyes that are painted on all four sides of the upper portion of the stupa. While many call these the eyes of Buddha there is little agreement on who or what they mean. One belief is that they are the guardians or Lokpals who are the directional guardians of the universe. The eyes first appeared in the 16th century so they are relatively new. However, for most people, they are simply the eyes of Buddha gazing out over the valley. Surrounding the stupa are brass prayer wheels which can be spun to bring good fortune when om mani padme hum (“hail to the jewel in the lotus”) is recited. The Five Elements Turn to your left from the 365 steps and there will be a small building that contains one of the fve elements placed in cardinal points around Swayambhunath. This one is dedicated to Vasupura (earth). The other symbols (marked on the map) around the stupa include: Vayupura (air), Nagpura (water), Agnipura (fire), and Shantipura (sky). Each symbol also represents a different aspect of Buddhism. See my guidebook for full details of the elements at Swayambhunath. Swayambhu Buddhist Museum To the rear of the stupa just to the left at the corner is a small red brick building that houses the dimly-lit museum. It was slightly damaged in the earthquake but remains open. Inside there's a small collection of Buddhist statues and items located around the stupa over the years. It's free to enter. Hariti Temple (Ajima Temple) At the rear of the temple is a beautiful two-tiered gilded Newari style