Swayam in Sanskrit mean Self, hence Swoyambhunath mean “Self-Created One”. The Tibetan name for Swoyambhunath means 'Sublime Trees’. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists & Hindus. However, the site which is about 70 meters above on the hill on the Ring Road of Kathmandu 3 kilometers from City centre.
The Swoyambhunath area possesses not only the stupa but many temple, shrines, Tibetan monasteries, statues of different gods. There is a small forest nearby the stupa which homes the red macaque monkey that mostly feed on the items offered by the devotees. Some of the Tibetan exiles in Nepal live nearby the Stupa. The Buddhists visit the Stupa for religious region, but everyone interested in mysticism, tantra, spirituality, ancient sculptures, & fine arts should not miss visiting the site.
Very much like Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath serves as a major historical landmark for most of Nepal's Buddhists. It was built over 2,500 years ago and is set on top of a steep hill which requires a pretty steep climb. Various flower vendors display their merchandise at the foot for visitors.
The place is sometimes called "Monkey Temple" and for good reason. Nepal makes for very conducive playgrounds for monkeys and the Swoyambhunath temple and its forest area make a good home for the rhesus Nepalis.
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