Swayambhunath meaning “Self-existent one” is believed to exist back in 460 A.D. being built by King Manadeya which later in the 13th century became one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Swoyambhunath is one of the holiest and most ancient Buddhist stupas in Nepal. The stupa is said to be existed there for more than 2000 years, when Kathmandu valley was derived from Primordial lake to the valley it is now. There are numerous numbers of shrines and monasteries inside the temple premises.
The temple is also known as Monkey temple and glory of Kathmandu valley is an ancient and religious architecture located on top of the hill in the Kathmandu Valley which is west of Kathmandu City. If you are planning for a peaceful trip, then you ought to go to Swoyambhunath. You will be able to find peace and prayer here on the little hillock. From the top of the hill, you can have a great view of almost every part of Kathmandu Valley. Swoyambhunath stupa has been a hallmark for peace, faith, and harmony for centuries. Although being a Buddhist pilgrimage site, the temple adjacent unifies Hindu Temple and deities.
There is another myth about the stupa which also goes way back to 2000 years ago, it has that Swoyambhunath was one a lotus flower blooming in the middle of a lake that spread across the valley and later it bloomed more to become the stupa itself. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri or Saraswati - the Goddess of learning. Chaityas, statues, and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities fill the stupa complex. The stupa and adjacent are decorated with a lot of prayer flags and chortens. You will find a lot of those around the premises and devotees around praying for peace and prosperity all day long.