The Shri Karma Raja Maha Vihara Monastery, situated on the northern side of Swyambhu stupa, was the main seat of H.H. the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje in Nepal. Regarding Swyambhu stupa, legend says that once the Kathmandu valley was a lake in which Swayambhu hill existed as an island. On top of that hill stood a natural crystal stupa. Buddha, when visiting the place, declared that it was a wish-fulfilling stupa and whoever is touched by the wind that passes over the stupa receives the seed of liberation from the cycle of existence.
Dr Raj Pradhanang shared today that "the karma raja monastery is in terrible state. All of monks (about 60) have been moved to Raniban monastery near Balaju ,Kathmandu. Two old lamas were trapped when the earthquake hit but were rescued the next day and are now safe. Now all the lamas are safe at new monastery of Raniban but Karma Raj monastery is locked and no one is allowed to go to the top of Swyambhu Stupa except local residents."
BBC news has shown drone footage of the site and much devastation. Karma Raj Monastery sits directly opposite the stupa and is the tallest yellow colored building shown in the footage.
According to The Swyambhu Buddhism Foundation, Shamarpa and Karmapa’s Karma Raj monastery on Swayambhu is badly cracked but standing.