Kathesimbhu Stupa (Kaathe Swayambhu Shree Gha Chaitya) | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: Kathesimbhu Stupa (Kaathe Swayambhu Shree Gha Chaitya)
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Kathesimbhu Stupa (Kaathe Swayambhu Shree Gha Chaitya), Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

Kathesimbhu Stupa, officially known as Kaathe Swayambhu Shree Gha Chaitya, is a 17th-century Buddhist monument located in a hidden courtyard in the heart of central Kathmandu, midway between Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Visual Characteristics

The stupa is a high-fidelity miniature replica of the world-famous Swayambhunath Stupa. It features a whitewashed hemispherical dome representing the Earth, surmounted by a gilded square tower painted with the "All-Seeing Eyes" of the Buddha. A 13-tiered spire (symbolizing the stages to Nirvana) rises above the tower, topped with a golden pinnacle. The main courtyard is densely packed with hundreds of smaller stone votive chaityas, ancient inscriptions, and a statue of Avalokiteshvara.

Location & Access Logistics

Coordinates: 27.709° N, 85.309° E.

Address: Shree Gha Bihar Rd, near Ason Bazzar, Kathmandu.

Transport: A 5-minute walk south from Thamel or 10 minutes north from Durbar Square. Due to the extremely narrow alleys (gallis), it is best accessed on foot.

Entry Fee: Free for all visitors. Unlike the original Swayambhunath, there is no government ticket booth.

Hours: Generally open 24 hours as a public thoroughfare, though active religious activity peaks from 05:00 to 20:00.

Historical & Mythological Origin

The stupa was built around 1650 AD, though inscriptions mention a golden pinnacle donation as early as 1552 AD.

The "Substitute" Stupa: It was specifically constructed as a "substitute" pilgrimage site for the elderly, infirm, and sick who could not manage the steep 365-step climb to the original Swayambhunath.

Legend of Vak-vajra: Myth states that the monk Vak-vajra was challenged by the King of Benares to prove his spiritual power. In response, Vak-vajra meditated and levitated a stupa from India, transporting it through the air to this spot in Kathmandu.

Construction Lore: A popular local belief holds that the stupa was built using the leftover materials and soil from the construction of the larger Swayambhunath complex.

Key Highlights & Activities

Tibetan Monastery (Shree Ghah Gumba): A vibrant, colorful Tibetan-style monastery stands on the northeast corner of the courtyard, contrasting with the Newari architecture.

Hariti Shrine: A two-story pagoda dedicated to Hariti, the goddess of smallpox and protector of children, is located in the northwest corner.

Circumambulation: Visitors can perform kora (clockwise walking) around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base.

Local Culture: The courtyard is a living space where local residents dry grain, socialize, and practice Vajrayana rituals daily.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The courtyard functions as a sanctuary from the surrounding urban chaos.

Refreshments: Numerous tea stalls line the entrance alleys; the area is locally famous for "Shree Gha’s lemon tea."

Connectivity: 4G/5G signals are robust despite the enclosed courtyard.

Services: Small shops nearby sell butter lamps, incense, and Buddhist ritual items.

Best Time to Visit

The early morning (06:00–08:00) offers the most authentic atmosphere as local Newar devotees perform their daily worship. Late afternoon provides soft lighting for photography of the colorful prayer flags and gilded spire.