Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan is the name of the deity enshrined in the Changu Narayan Temple, located near the Changunarayan village in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley, and is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the Temple is dedicated to him. A stone slab discovered in the vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th Known as the biggest among the Narayans, Changu Narayan has greater importance than the others.

It is situated at the top of the hill. One can view the beautiful white Himalayas and hills in the north and the whole panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. The steep green hill of pines adds to its beauty.

Historical Importance

  • It is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley.
  • A Vishnu idol with ten heads and ten arms is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century.
  • The temple is of great importance due to its idols and shrines having rich architectural beauty

Places To Be Seen 

  • Garuda Narayana Temple
  • Shrine of King Bhupalendra Malla and his mother
  • Krishna Shrine
  • Nateshvara Shrine
  • Sculpture of Sri Mahadev
  • Sculpture of Garuda
  • Shrine of Somalingeshvara
  • Sculptures: Vishnu, Durga Avalokitesvara and Garuda Ganesh
  • Ganesh Shrine
  • Bhagvati Temple
  • Vishnu Vikranta
  • Vishnu Vishvarupa
  • Lakshmi Temple Shiva Temple
  • Stone Column

Legendary Places In The Temple
Garuda Idol
Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.

King Bhupendra Malla Statues
Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. Bloody fighting characterised their politics during the 17th century but both were generous when it came to revering the gods.

Vishnu Sculpture
To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

Important Vishnu Sculptures 
Vishwaroop
Vishwaroop sculpture, dating back to 8th century A.D., presents Lord Vishnu in his universal form.

Vishnu Vikrant
The stone idol, harking back to the 8th century A.D, is of the most powerful form of Lord Vishnu. It is related to the Hindu legend of Vaman, an incarnation of Vishnu, who measured space with feet.

Vishnu Riding Garuda 
This figure of Vishnu mounting Garuda, the mythical bird, dates back to the 10th century A.D.

Narsimhha Vishnu
This form of Lord Vishnu, the Narsimha, is in half human and half lion form.

How To Reach
Take a taxi from Bhaktpaur to reach Changu Narayan temple. The drive would be of approximately 30 minutes.