Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Shree Gha Chaitya: Kaathe Swayambhu, also known as Kathesimbhu Stupa or Kashi Swayambhu, stands as a testament to spiritual devotion in Kathmandu, Nepal. Constructed circa 1650 AD, this revered site is a captivating miniature rendition of the iconic Swayambhu Stupa, drawing countless Tibetan pilgrims and curious travelers alike to its sacred grounds.

The stupa, officially named Shree Gha-Shanti Ghat Bhajradhatu Maha Chaitya, is not merely a replica but a sanctuary brimming with profound symbolism and historical significance. Its architectural intricacies mirror those of its larger counterpart, surrounded by a multitude of smaller chaityas adorned with ancient inscriptions and statues, evoking a serene ambiance reminiscent of Tibetan monastic traditions.

Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Meaning of Kaathe Swayambhu: Shree Gha Chaitya

Shree Gha Maha Chaitya gets its name from a special set of sacred items kept inside a temple located to the west of the chaitya. "Shree Gha" is one of six holy sets of vessels that have been placed in ancient Kathmandu. People often call this chaitya "Kathe Swayambhu," which means "Swayambhu made of wood." It's called this because the way the chaitya is built, including its structure and design, is exactly like the famous Swayambhu Maha Chaitya.

So, in simple terms, the chaitya is named after some special items inside a nearby temple, and it looks just like the Swayambhu Stupa, but it's made of wood.

Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

History of Kaathe Swayambhu: Shree Gha Chaitya

In an ancient inscription dated back to 1552 AD (Nepal Sambat 762), there's a story about Shree Gha Chaitya. It tells us that a man named Megharaja donated a golden spire to the stupa in memory of his son who had passed away. To honor his son's memory, Megharaja also set up a trust called guthi to organize yearly remembrance ceremonies.

This trust had close ties with the priests from a nearby place called Kwa-baha. As time went by, the stupa needed some repairs, and during the rule of King Pratap Malla (1624–1674 AD), these repairs were carried out.

However, in 1647, something unfortunate happened – the chaitya was no longer considered sacred, which must have been a distressing moment for the community. But there's hope in this story because, in 1653, a person named Vajracharya came forward and restored the stupa to its former glory.

This act of restoration not only fixed the physical structure but also brought back the spiritual significance of the stupa, renewing the faith and devotion of the people who visited it. So, despite facing challenges, the stupa's importance endured through time, reminding us of the power of faith and community.

Prayer flags flutter from Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Legends related to Kaathe Swayambhu

Folklore 1:

There's a fascinating legend surrounding this Chaitya. It's said that once, a renowned tantrik guru from the Bajracharya clan journeyed to Varanasi in India to conduct sacred rituals. The Emperor of Varanasi (then Benaras), hearing of his reputation, sought his help to construct a grand Chaitya in the kingdom.

The Tantrik guru swiftly built the Chaitya upon the Emperor's request, but during the inauguration ceremony, the Emperor doubted its legitimacy, claiming no temple could be established without an animal sacrifice.

This led to a heated debate, resulting in the Emperor insulting the tantrik guru in front of his people. Enraged by the disrespect, the Tantrik guru cursed the kingdom, declaring they would never succeed in building another Chaitya. Despite the Emperor's attempts to remove the Chaitya with elephants and horses, it remained steadfast.

In a display of his powers, the Tantrik guru lifted the Chaitya into his palm and flew away, eventually resting and placing it permanently at its current location. Since that day, the Chaitya has stood as a testament to the tantrik guru's power and the enduring legend of its creation.

Pancha Buddha Stupa at Shree Gha Chaitya, which is a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Folklore 2:

According to another ancient tale, the Chaitya was strategically built at the heart of the administrative hub of its era, atop a spacious plain. This location was chosen with great care, aiming to cater to the needs of the elderly and infirm who found it challenging to journey to Swayambhu Maha Chaitya.

By situating the Chaitya in this central spot, it ensured that those unable to make the pilgrimage could still catch a glimpse of Swayambhu and pay their respects. This thoughtful decision underscored the community's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, making spiritual fulfillment accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations.

Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Architecture and surroundings around Shree Gha Chaitya

Encircling the central stupa are numerous smaller chaityas, adorned with inscriptions, statues, and an age-old cloister reminiscent of Tibetan monasteries. Positioned before the stupa rests a statue of Avalokiteshvara, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the site.

In Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara, also referred to as Lokeśvara and Chenrezig, holds a significant position as a bodhisattva, a being who aspires to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Avalokiteśvara is renowned for embodying immense compassion, known as mahakaruṇā in Sanskrit. This compassionate nature aligns closely with Amitabha Buddha, with whom Avalokiteśvara is often associated.

Throughout Buddhist teachings and art, Avalokiteśvara appears in numerous forms, each representing different aspects of compassion and wisdom. His manifestations are depicted in diverse ways, reflecting the vast array of qualities and virtues attributed to Avalokiteśvara across various Buddhist traditions and cultures.

For pilgrims unable to journey to the Swayambhunath Stupa, this sacred space offers equal solace and blessings. Each element within the compound holds significance, serving as a beacon of enlightenment and guidance. Notably, the stupa's spire stands tall with 13 steps, symbolizing the arduous journey through the 13 stages toward Nirvana, the ultimate state of liberation. This rich symbolism and profound atmosphere make it a sanctuary of spiritual exploration and fulfillment for all who visit.

In the modern era, within the grounds of Shree Gha Maha Chaitya, there are two distinct monastic establishments. One is a Tibetan monastery called "Drupgon Jangchub Choeiling," and the other is a local monastery known as "Dharma Kirti Mahavihaar," where nuns devoutly practice Buddhism.

Additionally, situated at the southwest corner of Shree Gha Chaitya stands the temple of Harati Ajima.

Today, Shree Gha has evolved into a bustling center, drawing people from all walks of life to enjoy hot lemon drinks, indulge in ice cream treats, and leisurely explore its surroundings.

The presence of these monastic institutions alongside recreational amenities reflects the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity within this cherished locale.

Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.

Pancha Buddha Stupa at Shree Gha Chaitya which is a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.Shree Gha Chaitya, a miniature replica of Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu.A variety of handcrafted wooden masks are on display at the Shree Gha Chaitya area. Kathmandu.

All photos by Gyanendra Gurung.