Panchapur

Agnipur

This shrine was consecrated by Shantikar acharya for protecting the place from disasters related to the fire element. Agnipur at Swayambhunath is a dome structure painted with the red face of the fire elements god known as Agni Bhairava. It’s marked by two small lions in front of it and located in the northwest corner of the site. Agni(fire) is the relayer of burnt offerings to Gods in heaven.

Basupur

Vasundhara Mandir (temple) / Basudhara
Basupur is located on the southeastern corner of the site. Goddess Vasundhara is the Buddhist Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Vasundhara dwells on a vase in the playful posture known as lalitasana. The symbol of the earth is the goddess. This is ‘Vasupur’. Vasupura refers to the earth element.

Shantipur / Sambarpur – a man living here from 5th century

Northwest of the main stupa is another important shrine known as Sambarpur or Shantipur. It is also called Akashpur (Sky Place) which represents the fifth element and has a fascinating legend. Shantipur

Shantipur at Swayambhunath stupa
Shantipur at Swayambhunath stupa

Nagpur

It is a pit infront of the Amoghasiddhi Buddha and on the northern side of the Swayambhunath stupa which is rectangular in shape with a snake idol at the bottom of it. It was built to appease the snake spirits in the Kathmandu valley. Nagpur

Nagpur at Swayambhu

Vayupur

It is located in the southwest corner of Swayambhunath stupa and is related to the air element. Vayu means the air in the local language. It was built by Shantikar acharya to eliminate problems related to the air element.

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