Renovation of Swayambhu Stupa, Kathmandu

Swayambhu Stupa

Here in the UK we’re always very happy to hear about positive developments in Buddhism back in the lands where it originated. The Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal, recently underwent a major renovation under the supervision of many Tibetan Buddhist masters.

Swayambhu is considered one of the holiest Buddhist power-places. Situated in the heart of the Kathmandu valley, it is a hill adorned with one of the greatest and oldest stupas on Earth. It is significant for Buddhists of all traditions, especially Tibetan Buddhists. For Karma Kagyu Diamond Way Buddhists it has a particular historical significance. ”Swayambhu” means “self-arisen”. According to Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche the original stupa, made of crystal, arose spontaneously during the life of a former historical Buddha. This smaller stupa is said to remain embedded in the hill, while over thousands of years, further construction has taken place on top and around this, gradually resulting in the magnificent structure which stands today, and its surrounding temples and smaller stupas.

Swayambhu Hill and Stupa in the 1960s

Throughout its history, the Swayambhu stupa went through phases where it fell into disrepair and underwent renovation. The Tenth Shamarpa, Mipham Chödrub Gyamtso (1742-1792) restored the stupa while in Exile from Tibet. He died in exile and was cremated on Swayambhu hill. A reliquary stupa made of red brick is situated near the main Swaymbhu stupa and contains his remains. Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche’s uncle, Drukpa Lama Sherab Dorje, took the responsibility of restoring and maintaining the stupa during the early 20th Century. The temple on the Western edge of the stupa was maintained by Lama Sherab Dorje and later by Lopön Tsechu Rinpoche. The gompa on the Northern edge, the Karma Raja Vihara, was the 16th Karmapa’s seat in Nepal and is now administered by monks of the present 14th Shamar Rinpoche. It was in the doorway of this temple in 1969 where Hannah and Lama Ole, having climbed the 365 steps of the steep Eastern staircase, first encountered H.H. the 16th Karmapa - performing the Black Crown ceremony.

Renovating Swayambhu Stupa

The most recent renovation of the Swayambhu stupa started in July 2008, and was completed during the most auspicious month of Saga Dawa, in May 2010. Involving many of the finest artisans in Nepal from Gold, Copper, Iron, and Wood traditions, the renovation involved the removal, repair and re-gilding of the vajra, mandala, nine shrines, harmika, spire, and cornice. To celebrate the completion of the work on the Stupa, a large “National Peace and Unity” Event was held on 27 May – “Saga Dawa Duchen”. Thousands came to Swayambhu to participate in the celebrations. Over 13,000 bags of sand supporting candles were placed around the Stupa, down the stairways, and along the main circumambulatory path. For hours people circumambulated the stupa, lighting candles and enjoying the beautiful scene of the newly renovated stupa.

Also on this day H.H. Trulshik Rinpoche, the supreme head of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, performed the main consecration from a helicopter that flew thrice around Swayambhu and dropped flowers from the sky onto the Stupa and surrounding area. The next two weeks saw elaborate consecration pujas performed by Newari priests from around the Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhu helicopter consecration

H.H. Trulshik Rinpoche

Pujas by other high Tibetan lamas were held on June 19, 20, and 21. The first day was presided over by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (Drikung Kagyu). The second day was presided over by Phachok Rinpoche (Taklung Kagyu). The final day of pujas was presided over by Tulku Urgyen Yangsi Rinpoche (the reincarnation of Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche, Nyingma), Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche (Nyingma), Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Shangpa Rinpoche (Karma Kagyu), and other high lamas of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, together with hundreds of other participants.