Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient religious site on top of a hill in Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. “Stupa” literally means “heap” in Sanskrit and is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics. A legend says the valley was once filled with a huge lake where a beautiful lotus – a Buddha symbol - grew. The lotus then turned into a hill, and the flower became the Stupa. Another legend tells us that Buddha himself visited the place and was spreading his teachings here even earlier.
The Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious complexes in Nepal, dating back to the 5th century A.D. Swayambhunath Stupa has a shape of a dome standing on a base which represents the entire world.
A pair of big eyes on each side of the dome symbolizes Wisdom and Compassion. They are, in fact, Buddha’s eyes - they give the impression as if he is looking right into you no matter where you stand. Buddha faces look at you from all sides - so meet the God’s eye! Om mani padme hum!
