Sophiya Shakya

Kathesimbhu stupa situated in the Naghal Tole a few minutes walk from Thamel is a Sigha Baha also known as Kathe Swoyambhu. The Kathesimbhu stupa is a 17th century copy of the famous Swayambhunath monkey temple. Indeed Kathesimbhu means "Kathmandu Swayambhunath." Moreover it's believed that Kathesimbhu was built from the materials left over from Swayambhunath.

People say that it was build for the old and infants who cannot make the journey to Swayambhunath. But there's a legend that gives a different story on the construction of the Kathesimbhu stupa. It says that a stupa was built in the Indian city of Benares. To consecrate it the revered Vakvajara from Nepal was sent for. Vakvajara consecrated the stupa with some drops from the Benares river. However the people of Benares were not satisfied with such a simple ceremony who thereafter had little fate in the stupa. Vakvajra tried to move the stupa but this failed. Vakvajra then performed a mantra and the stupa moved by itself all the way back to Nepal where it became known as what is today - the Kathesimbhu stupa.

The Kathesimbhu stupa stands within a closed off courtyard surrounded by smaller stupas (chaityas), inscriptions and statutes. Including one of Avalokiteshvara statue which puts the stupa back much further than the 17th century. Similarly the dome of the stupa rests on white-washed pedestal. Above the dome or Garbha is a four sided harmika with all-seeing eyes similar to those at Swayambhu. In the courtyard around the main stupa are a number of votive Chaityas. shrines including mother Harati and deities from Mahayan Pantheon. Offer important feature is a stone standing Padampani assigned to the ninth century A.D.

Not just that but this place is also considered as a hang out spot for many teenagers as there are several stalls nearby and the vendors who will often try to encourage you to visit there stores. There is currently no entrance fee for the Kathesimbhu stupa .At present we can visit it for free. However that could change shortly. Another aspect that adds up to its beauty are all the beautiful pigeons that are there all the time. Kathesimbhu stupa is a very peaceful and relaxing place to be.

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