Our first stop today was to Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the monkey temple). This is a Buddhist Temple that can be reached by climbing 365 steps from street level. Yet, at the top there is a mix of both Buddhist and Hindu areas of worship.
The reason it is also called the monkey temple is the fact that they are all over the place. They may be in the trees, running past you as you climb the stairs, sliding down the hand-railings,eating some of the offerings people have left, or just sitting on a statue watching everything from their perch.
It is believed that Kathmandu Valley had been covered by water at one time and the place where this temple sits was on a hill that arose from the depths of the lake…the name Swayambhunath means ‘self arisen’.
Worshipers make their way around the main stupa ,with the eyes of the Buddha, in a clockwise direction. They leave offerings for the priests or Gods (represented in various forms of carvings and statues throughout the temple area), turn the prayer wheels, get advice from priests, and visit with others while the sound of prayer flags flapping in the wind can be heard throughout the area.
We noticed a number of people who use the climbing of these steps as a means of exercise only – running up to the top and then performing a variety of exercises (sit-ups, stretches, lunges, etc) before making their way back down.
I guess everyone worships in their own way.
Our next stop was Durbar (means, palace) Square. This was once the area where the king would have lived. It covers a very large area. Despite some of the buildings needing reconstruction after the earthquake of 1934, many buildings date back to the 17th and 18th century.
There was so much to see - from tantric carvings to the Kumari Bahal (house of the Living Goddess) and from the Great Bell to the colourful Holy Men who wandered the streets.
We spent quite a bit of time in this area, but still had a lot planned for the afternoon.
(note: will post more after the trek. I type this the evening before we leave…so better go and pack)
2 comments:
Hi Tammy and Mark
Boy it is like reading a book, and picturing and trying to experience what you guys are experiencing. Fantastic, I imagine you enjoyed that beer Mark. You talked about the Big Belly Delly, reminds us of the famouos Ingersoll, that was the name of the little place next to laundromat on the corner of Thames and Bell St. Ha Ha Ingersoll has it all.
Rick went to doctor no result yet.
We are happy you are enjoying yourselves. It sounds like fun. A garland of marigolds didnt think that flower would be over there.
Keep up the blog it sure is informative and keeps us posted on your journey. Love you both have fun.
Mom and Dad
It is still Christmas Eve here (around 3:30pm) but by your time it is already Christmas Day!!!!! Just wanted to wish the both of you a very Merry Christmas!!!! Also wishing you continued safe travels....and can't wait for the blog to hear about your trip.
Love,
Catherine & Meredith, Meghan, Mark and Sarah xo xo xo
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