The Monkey Temple

The stairs leading up to the Monkey Temple

After arriving at the Kathmandu airport and riding through the chaotic streets filled with motorbikes and cars weaving in and out as pedestrians cross the road at various points, I knew that I have arrived in Nepal. It is very loud, very dirty, and very dusty. If I had to sum up my first impression in just one word, it would be raw.

On my first day, I had a brief orientation and language lesson at my volunteer house and then it was off to experience one of Kathmandu's greatest treasures: Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple.

Swayambhunath 

This mystical Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site sits atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu  Valley. It was definitely a hike from the volunteer house and then a steep ascent up 365 stone stairs, but the view and mystical aura of such an old and sacred place was well worth braving the mid-day sun.

Buddhist prayer wheels

At the core of Swayambhunath lies a sacred white stupa surrounded by prayer wheels that Buddhist pilgrims turn as they walk around the stupa clockwise and recite the Mani mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, which is said to encapsulate the essence of the Buddhist teachings in its six syllables.

The Buddha's eyes and Nepali Unity symbol

Above the stupa, vibrantly-colored prayer flags hang in all directions and the vibrant eyes of Buddha are painted as if they are watching over the entire valley below. This depiction also includes the traditional Nepali symbol of Unity that is depicted as an open spiral.

It was easy to understand why Swayambhunath has been nicknamed “The Monkey Temple” since so many monkeys hang out there, swinging through the trees, laying in the shade of the ancient temples, and looking for generous tourists to give them food.

Monkeys hanging out at the Monkey Temple

Although most Nepalis practice Hinduism, the second most practiced religion in the country is Buddhism and there is an overwhelming sense of respect for Buddhism because Buddha was born in southern Nepal. The country is extremely unique in this sense as both of these religions are interwoven into the cultural fabric of Nepal and its people. Even at Swayambhunath, next to the stupa lies a Hindu temple for people to worship.

Smaller Buddhist temple on the other
side of Swayambhunath

As we walked down the far side of the hill, other smaller temples sat underneath brightly-colored prayer flags fluttering in the wind, criss-crossed across the blue sky. Hanging prayer flags is an ancient Tibetan religious tradition that is meant to bless all living things. The flags contain symbols and prayers that are activated when the wind blows across them, bringing blessings of happiness and good fortune to all people in the countryside. The Tibetan word for prayer flag is Dar Cho;“Dar” means to increase life, fortune, health and wealth, and “Cho” means all sentient beings. These flags can be seen throughout the country and greater Kathmandu Valley.