JEREMY HORNER IMAGES

Swayambunath

Perched on top of a hill on the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient Swayambunath Stupa (known as the "Monkey Temple") is Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal.

Founded about 2,000 years ago, Kathmandu Valley was filled with a great lake, and according to Buddhist legend, a single perfect lotus grew in the center of the lake. When the bodhisattva Manjusri drained the lake with a slash of his sword, the lotus flower settled on top of the hill and magically transformed into the stupa.Hence it is known as the Self-Created (swayambhu) Stupa.

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Image Size: 4288x2848 / 35.0MB; Monkey Temple religion Kathmandu Swayambunath sacred worship Nepal. himalaya buddhist buddhism jeremy horner colour color religion belief faith meditation nirvana asia travel adventure
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Perched on top of a hill on the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient Swayambunath Stupa (known as the "Monkey Temple") is Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal.<br />
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Founded about 2,000 years ago, Kathmandu Valley was filled with a great lake, and according to Buddhist legend, a single perfect lotus grew in the center of the lake. When the bodhisattva Manjusri drained the lake with a slash of his sword, the lotus flower settled on top of the hill and magically transformed into the stupa.Hence it is known as the Self-Created (swayambhu) Stupa.