• Swayambhu

​This Buddhist shrine complex is set on a hillock in the western part of Kathmandu City. It is built around a large stupa, which is surrounded by several shrines, temples, and many small stupas. Some consider the main stupa, or Swayambhucaitya as it is called by Nepalese, the most important shrine for Newar Buddhists of Kathmandu.
In the aftermath of the two earthquakes in April-May 2015, one of the tall white Sikhara-type temples flanking the main stupa has collapsed as well as many buildings that housed families of Buddhist ritual masters living at the site.


Swayambhu in 1970, in a photograph taken by Ganesh Man Chitrakar (Kiran’s father). Download Full Resolution
© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation
Swayambhu in 2012, on the day of the Buddha’s birthday. Download Full Resolution
© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation
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© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation
One of the collapsed Sikhara-type temples at Swayambhu, after the April 25, 2015, earthquake. Download Full Resolution
© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation
Download Full Resolution
© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation
Download Full Resolution
© DirghaMan & GaneshMan Chitrakar Art Foundation


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