Swayambhunath, an ancient religious hilltop complex
The Swayambhunath stupa, the main structure at Swayambhu Mahachaitya, the ancient hilltop religious site. The dome at the base represents the entire world, with on top a cube structure, with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions. Above those are “toranas” with Buddha reliefs on them. The pinnacle on top has thirteen tiers, symbolising that sentient beings have to go through thirteen stages of spiritual realisations to reach enlightenment. On top is a “chatra”, an umbrella, representing the heavens, royalty and protection.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Sat Nov 17, 1979