Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Nepalese Architecture (Swayambhu nath)

Introduction

The Buddhist temple of Swayambhu nath situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known as the "monkey temple" because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley .The area surrounding the stupa is filled with chaitya, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects.

Swayambhu nath's worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of pilgrims will ascend the 365 steps that lead up the hill, file past the dfilded
vajra (Tibetan: Dorje) and two lions guarding the entrance and begin a series of clockwise circumambulation of the stupa ( Newari Buddhists circle in the opposite, counter clockwise direction.)

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