As per a popular myth, when Bodisatwo Manjushree, who hailed from Mount Wutaishan in China but lived in Lhasa, was traveling toward the south via the high ridges of Shivapuri, Kakani, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri of present-day Kathmandu, he saw a constant light radiating from a lotus in the big lake in the valley down below. He felt it was a God, and this God should be given refuge to settle down on Earth. So, Manjushree drained out the lake through what is now known as Chovar Gorge. Then, he created a place for God in the form of present-day Swayambhu Stupa, standing above the valley of Kathmandu. He also created a small settlement to look after the stupa, and that was the birth of Newa history. 

Swayambhu is an ancient religious complex on top of a hill in Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It has great mythological history and is a place of day-to-day religious practice. It is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The stupa consists of a dome at the base, above which is a cubical structure painted with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions. There is a pentagonal toran present above each of the four sides with statues engraved in them. Behind and above the toran there are 13 tiers. Above all the tiers there is a small space above which the Gajur is present. The stupa has many artifacts inside. It is also a World Heritage Site.

Accessibility

The stupa complex at Swayambhunath can be reached after a 20-minute walk from Kathmandu city center. There are also public buses and tempos going to the base of the hill. If you go by taxi, there is less ascent needed.    

Entrance Fee

Entrance fee is applicable for non-Nepalese visitors