It is a famous and greatly honoured Buddhist Stupa which is more than 2500 years old. With a masterly craftsmanship, this Stupa stands to exhibit typical example of Nepalese architecture. Situated on a hillock in Kathmandu surrounded by natural beauties, this place is the best top to view the panorama of Kathmandu Valley including city areas.
According to Buddhist chronicles this Stupa is so named as Swayambhu because it was created by itself, not being made by any man. As is believed, the whole of kathmandu valley was a lake called ‘NAGRHADA’ thousands of years ago where a lotus flower was floating on top of it. Lord Swayambhu, the Buddha was seated on it. Later when Manjushree, a great saint from China came and cut the mountain at one point with his moon shaped sword, all water of the valley flowed away and the lotus flower turned into this abode on hilltop. On this great religious shrine of Buddhists, one can see lots of small and big chaityas, images, mystery tunnels, great pieces of arts, rest houses, picnic spots, a Buddhist school, monasteries and the like.
