Image number: 07NEP-1328

Kathesimbhu means "Kathmandu Swayambhu". This 17th century stupa (bell-shaped Buddhist monument) in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a smaller version of the more famous "Monkey Temple" at Swayambhu. A walk around the Kathesimbhu stupa promises the old and lame the same blessings as a pilgrimage to Swayambhunath's hill. Buddha Eyes gaze from one side of Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple". On most every stupa (Buddhist shrine) in Nepal, giant Buddha Eyes (or Wisdom Eyes) stare from four sides of the upper cube. These four directions symbolize the omniscience (all-seeing) of a Buddha. The third eye (above and between the other two eyes) also symbolizes the all-seeing wisdom of the Buddha. The curled symbol (shaped like a question mark) in place of a nose is the Nepali character for the number 1, which symbolizes unity of all things. The upper part of the spire has 13 gilded disks representing the 13 steps to Buddhist enlightenment, and enlightenment is represented by an upper umbrella.