About Swayambhunath. Recent Post. Trek to Everest Region Trekking and Hiking. Veggie Nepal. Associated and certified. Dispatches Direct update from field Check Latest Updates.
The whitewashed dome of the main stupa represents the womb of creation, with a phallic complement in the square tower. Rising from the tower is a spire made of 13 golden disks, representing the steps to enlightenment. The umbrella on top symbolizing enlightenment itself; some say it contains a bowl of precious stones. The famous Buddha eyes gazing out sleepily from each side of the tower oriented to the four cardinal directions are those of the all-seeing Primordial Buddha.
Between each of the pairs of eyes is a symbol that looks like a question mark - this is the Nepali number "1" and represents the unity of all things. Gold plaques rising above the eyes like a crown depict the Five Dhyani Buddhas, celestial buddhas who are associated with the five senses, the four cardinal directions plus the center, and many other symbolic groups of five. The Five Dhyani Buddhas are further honored with special shrines at the base of the stupa.
They face the four cardinal directions, plus one slightly left of east to represent the center direction. Between them are shrines to four of the Buddhas' consorts. Linking all nine shrines together is a chain of prayer wheels and butter lamps. Filling the platform around the main stupa are numerous other shrines and votive structures, most of which have been donated by kings and lamas in the last four centuries.
Five of them are associated with the five elements: earth, air, fire, water and sky. Notable among these is the Harati Devi Temple , dedicated to the Hindu goddess of smallpox and other epidemics, as well as a protectress of children.
The small brick pagoda is very popular among both Hindus and Buddhists, especially mothers seeking blessings for their children. Petitioners toss flower petals, rice, colored powder and holy water over the Harati image, then receive a tika from the resident priest. Monkeys, stray dogs, and pigeons fight over the rice and the food offerings, contributing to the chaotic atmosphere. The image of the goddess dates only from the 19th century; it replaces the original that was smashed by King Rana Bahadur Shah after his wife died of smallpox.
Food offerings for Harati typically stew, rice and bread are cooked in a kitchen on the bottom floor of a gompa monastery prayer room on the west side of the complex. Visitors can climb stairs to the gompa roof, which is level with the Buddha eyes.
From here there are fine views over the stupa and Kathmandu valley. Northwest of the main stupa is another important shrine, associated with a fascinating legend. Shantipur is a small, plain, box-shaped temple said to contain a great treasure - a living holy man who has been meditating in there for years. Legend has it that Shanti Shri, who lived in the 5th century, locked himself in a vault beneath the temple, vowing to remain there until the Kathmandu Valley needed him.
Entering a mystic state, he has achieved immortality and remains there to help the local people when needed. Your email address will not be published. Nice to meet you! I'm Carlijn, but call me Charlie, as most of my friends do. So basically I'm just another travel lover with a blog. Feel free to drop a comment or message, I Like that :. On my way to Swayambhunath. The surroundings are beautiful. Where is Swayambhunath located?
How to get from Thamel to Swayambhunath? How many steps to Swayambhunath temple?
0コメント