In the center of the temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, which is considered one of the most imposing stupas in the world, rises high. One can reach the stupa by going up about 400 steep stone steps. The four sides of the stupa depict Buddha’s eyes of wisdom, which see through all existences.
        The third eye is the symbol of Buddha’s insight. In the location where the nose would be, Nepalese numeral “one” which expresses “harmony” is depicted. The 13-tier spire part symbolizes the 13 stages to enlightenment, and the tip has a golden umbrella which represents nirvana. The flags coming out of the spire each has sutras written on them.

Swayambhunath became an important Buddhist holy site by the 13th century, and records say that the stupa became the present day scale in the 14th century. It was once destroyed in the 15th century, but rebuilt afterwards, and by the end of the 20th century Tibetan from China came to live near the stupa.
        Mani (prayer) wheels are lined up around the base of the stupa, which pilgrims turn when going around the stupa. Each Mani wheel has a sutra written on it, and it is said that one turn of the Mani wheel has the same blessing as the reciting of one sutra.
        On the wall of the second floor of the Nepal-Buddha Pavilion, the Swayambhunath Stupa is depicted in half its original size.