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Swayambhu literally means
'Self-Existent One.' Swayambhunath is believed to have been established
more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that
the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth
century Swayambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning
site. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started with the
beginning of Swayambhu. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in
Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Behind the hilltop is a
temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning.
Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the stupa
complex. Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit
Swayambhunath. Swayambhu is perhaps the best place to observe the
religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires
considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base
of the statue.
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