Buddhist Butterlamps at Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu 23rd October 2006

2 Responses to “Buddhist Butterlamps at Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu”

1
MC:

Gorgeous shot. Absolutely perfect!

November 1st, 2006 at 15:48
2
sarala:

Very nice. Fits the spiritual theme to a tee.

March 3rd, 2007 at 02:01

CameraCanon EOS 5D
Focal Length135 mm
Aperturef/3.5
Exposure1/160 sec
ISO200
Date Taken11 Apr 2006, 09:49

The story behind "Buddhist Butterlamps at Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu"

The Swayambunath temple complex in Kathmandu, Nepal is quite unique. Not only is it one of the 3 holiest places for Buddhists, but the 2 main religions Hinduism and Buddhism are in total harmony with each other here. There are even some small statues, which are devoted to both of them simultaneously. Maybe Christianity and Islam can go on tolerance class here?

Inside the small monastery are many butterlamps, which are lit as a way of prayer. The monasteries get no financial support and all are open without admission fees, so a donation is well appreciated. The place is also known as the “Monkey Temple” due to the numerous -and sometimes quite aggressive- 4 legged primates running around. The temple is built on a hill, the 365 steps will take you to a great viewpoint over lovely Kathmandu, a city that has grown and is polluted, but still charming and filled with sights and great people.