Swayambhunath Stupa [Photo gallery]

The Svayambhunath or Swayambhunath Stupa is a large Buddhist monument situated in Kathmandu Nepal. The site stands as perhaps the holiest of all Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, especially for the Buddhist Newars. Swayambhu-Nath has a rich legendary history associated with it which is recorded in the Swayambhu Purana. It is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus and its ancient history can be traced to Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC. According to the legends, the entire valley was once filled with an enormous lake, which was drained by Manjushri. The valley came to be known as Svayambhu or Swayambhu (meaning "Self-Created") out of which grew a lotus over which a Stupa was erected.