Kashi Swayambhu (श्री घ: चैत्य )

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Front face of Shree Gha Chaitya 

Kashi Swayambhu is a miniature replica of Swayambhu stupa. It was built around 1650 AD and is one of the popular pilgrimage of Buddhist Newars of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is also called Shree Gha Chaitya. The pilgrims who can't make a visit to the Swayambhu can equally benefit by visiting this pilgrimage. The main stupa is surrounded by Chi-ba-dyo  (representation of Pancha Buddha) and other statues. In the same courtyard, you will find the popular Newa Buddhist monastery, Dharmakriti Vihar (home of Dhammavati Guruma) and Tibetan monastery Durbgon Janchup Choeling Monastery are located next to each other. Similarly, one of the oldest public school of Kathmandu as well as the temple of Harati Ajima also resides in the same courtyard along with the popular hot lemon tea shop. 

Story told by the local resident, legend has it when Baghvajra Gurujyu from Kwa-baha, Kathmandu used to go to Kashi to wash his face every day. He had erected a shrine there which the king and locals did not approve of. They tried using the strongest of people and Elephants to demolish the stupa, but nothing worked. Finally, the Gurjyu himself was called for the task. He used the five-colored thread thread fastened around his neck to tie the stupa and transported to its present location in Kathmandu. Since he couldn't think of any other location, he left it at Naghal. It is said that he disappeared from his room and was never seen, since then. Thus, the name Kashi Swayambhu was given to this stupa by the Newars. It is also called Shree: Gha Stupa and Shantighatvajradhatu Chaitya. It is also known as Kathe Swaymabhu among some people because it is said that the stupa was formerly constructed of all Kath (wood) and there was no trace of other metals, unlike what it looks now. 

The stupa is mentioned in an inscription of Nepal Sambat 762 (1552 AD). It says that the golden pinnacle of the chaitya was donated by Megharaja in the memory of his deceased son. he also established the Guthi to perform annual celebration. This Guthi is closely related to the priests, nearby Kwa-baha. The stupa was repaired during the reign of King Pratap Malla (1624 -74 AD). The chaitya was de-consecrated but restored by Vajracharya in 1653. 

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References

1. Friday , retrieved 2022-02-16