Join us on a captivating journey to the heart of Kathmandu Valley as we explore the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa — famously known as the Monkey Temple. In this video, you’ll discover the rich history, spiritual significance, and vibrant culture surrounding this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about Nepal’s sacred landmarks, this immersive experience brings the legends, architecture, and lively atmosphere of Swayambhunath right to your screen.
Let’s climb the steps, meet the resident monkeys, and unlock the stories that make this temple a symbol of peace and enlightenment.
About Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in Nepal, perched atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. Often called the Monkey Temple due to the holy monkeys that inhabit the area, this ancient stupa is a symbol of harmony between Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal.
Dating back over 2,000 years, Swayambhunath is believed to have emerged spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake. The central white dome represents the world, while the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha painted on each side of the golden spire symbolize wisdom and compassion.
Surrounded by smaller shrines, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags, Swayambhunath offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere. Pilgrims, monks, and travelers alike visit the site to meditate, give offerings, and take in the panoramic views of Kathmandu below.
Vocabulary
| Englsih | Romanized Nepali | Nepali |
|---|---|---|
| Swayambhunath | Swayambhunath | स्वयम्भूनाथ |
| Monkey | Badar | बाँदर |
| Hill | Pahad | पहाड |
| 365 | Tin saye paisatthi | तीन सय पैसठ्ठी |
| Stairs | Bharyang | भर्याङ |
| Lion statue | Singha ko murti | सिंहको मूर्ति |
| Power | Shakti | शक्ति |
| Elephant | Hatti | हात्ती |
| Peacock | Mayur | मयुर |
| Eagle | Chil | चिल |
| Stone Statue | Dhunga ko murti | ढुङ्गाको मूर्ति |
| Vendors | Bikreta | विक्रेता |
| Beads | Mala | माला |
| Incense | Dhup | धूप |
| Butterlamp | Diyo | दियो |
| Handmade | Hastanirmit | हस्तनिर्मित |
| Jewelry | Gahana | गहना |
| Rudrakhsha | Rudrakhsha | रुद्राक्ष |
| Flower | Phool | फूल |
| Rice | Chamal | चामल |
| Offering | Prasad | प्रसाद |
| Eyes | Akha | आँखा |
| Directions | Disa | दिशा |
| Wisdom | Gyan | ज्ञान |
| Spire | Sikhar | शिखर |
| Small | Sano | सानो |
| Umbrella | Chata | छाता |
| Nirvana | Nirvana | निर्वाण |
| Small shrines | Chaitya | चैत्य |
| Monasteries | Gumba | गुम्बा |
| Monks | Bhikshu | भिक्षु |
| Panoramic view | Drishya | दृश्य |
| Prayer wheel | Kora | कोरा |
| Peace | Shanti | शान्ति |
| Pond | Pokhai | पोखरी |
| Entry | Prabesh | प्रवेश |
Sentences
| Englsih | Romanized Nepali | Nepali |
|---|---|---|
| Where is Swayambhunath? | Swayambhunath kaha chha. | स्वयम्भूनाथ कहाँ छ? |
| Swayambhunath is on a high hill. | Swayanbhunath ek uccha pahad ma cha. | स्वयम्भूनाथ एक उचो पहाडमा छ । |
| There are 365 steps. | Yaha tin saya paisatthi bhyarang chan. | यहाँ तीन सय पैसठ्ठी भर्याङ छन्। |
| This is a monkey. | Yo badar ho. | यो बाँदर हो। |
| The monkey took my food! | Badarle mero khana khayo. | बाँदरले मेरो खाना लग्यो! |
| This is a statue of Buddha. | Yo buddha ko murti ho. | यो बुद्धको मूर्ति हो। |
| This place is beautiful. | Yo thau derai ramailo cha. | यो ठाउँ धेरै रमाइलो छ। |
| This is a prayer wheel. | Yo kora ho. | यो कोरा हो। |
| How much is this? | Yesko kati ho. | यसको कति हो? |
| This is a stupa. | Yo stupa ho. | यो स्तुपा हो। |
| The view is beautiful. | Derai ramailo drisya cha. | धेरै रमाइलो दृश्य छ। |
| I feel peaceful. | Malai shanti anubhav vayo. | मलाई शान्ति अनुभव भयो। |
| There are many small stupas here. | Yaha derai sana stupaharu chan. | यहाँ धेरै साना स्तुपाहरू छन्। |
| Inside the monastery, monks are praying. | Gumba vitra bhikshuharu prathna gardai chan. | गुम्बा भित्र भिक्षुहरू प्रार्थना गर्दै छन्। |
| This place is very spiritual and beautiful. | Yo thau derai adhyatmik ra sundar cha. | यो ठाउँ धेरै आध्यात्मिक र सुन्दर छ। |
| Thankyou!!! See you again… | Dhanyabaad!!! pheri bhetaula… | धन्यवाद!!! फेरि भेटौंला… |


