Svayambhu Lingams

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The Svayambhu Linga temples contain representations of Shiva that are believed

to have risen up by themselves in the primordial past. In the commentary by

Nigamajnanadeva on his Jirnoddharadasakam, sixty-eight Svayambhu Lingas are

listed

 

Natural (Kailash, Amarnath, Mt. Shivling)

Swayambhu Linga.

The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or

the "the self-existent". In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri

came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted

brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and

drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and

called it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the Self-existent

Lord has been a holy place.

Swayambhu's light was covered in time because few could bear itsintensity. By

the thirteenth century, after many layers were added to the original structure

that enveloped the Lord's power, a dome-like shape had been acquired. The

stupas central mast was damaged and replaced at that time. Peripheral sources

of power were discovered on the hilltop as well and stupas, temples, and

resthouses were built to honor them. Images of important deities, both Buddhist

and Hindu, were also installed. Today, age-old statues and shrines dot the stupa

complex. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the

goddess of learning.

Swayambhu is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal.

The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world, and its

worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, and Brahmin priests to

lay Buddhists and Hindus. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is

in a monastery next to the stupa. Other monasteries here have huge prayer

wheels, fine Buddhist paintings, and special butter lamps which may be lit

after presenting monetary offerings.

Swayambhu is a major landmark of the Valley and looks like a beacon below the

Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees

have climbed the steps on the eastern side for centuries. Statues of the

Buddha, mini stupas, monasteries and monkeys make the climb to Swayambhu -

which is fairly steep - worthwhile. But for someone who is physically disabled

or is pressed for time, the western road allows you to get off your transport

almostat the base of the stupa souce http://www.jyotirlinga.com/svayam.html

 

Regards

Prasanna Kumar