Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple

Old as old itself, the Changu Narayan Temple has a history that dates back to around 3000 years. Perched on a hill, the temple stands majestically over the rice fields of Bhaktapur, around 22 km away from Kathmandu.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

The Changu Narayan temple is a double-roofed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple.

Garuda, half-man and half-bird is the vehicle of the Vishnu. A life size stone statue of Garuda kneels in front of the west face of the temple. There is an inscription stone behind the statue. The inscription provides important information on the Lichhavi dynasty and on the history of Kathmandu valley. In front of the temple’s main entrance, in a ornate cage, there are smaller statues of King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen.

To the north of the temple is the statue of Vishnu seated on a Garuda. The sculpture dates back to the 9th century and is yet another attraction in the area.

The temple’s true gem are the much older sculptures dotted around the courtyard. The statue of Vishnu in a half man and a half lion incarnation called Narsingha is something not be missed. It dates back to 464 AD. Another statue shows Vishnu as Vikrantha/Vamana, the six-armed dwarf who later transformed into a giant. To the side of these images is a small black slab showing a 10-headed and 10-armed Vishnu.  The beautifully carved image is around 1500 years old.

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 Bhupatindra Malla and his mother

Krishna Shrine

Nateshwar Shrine

Sculpture of Sri Mahadev

Sculpture of Garuda

Shrine of Somalinga Ishvara

Sculptures: Vishnu, Durga Avalokitesvara and Garuda Ganesha

Ganesh Shrine

Bhagvati Temple

Vishnu Vikranth

Vishnu Vishvarupa

Lakshmi Temple Shiva Temple

Stone Column

Legendary Places In The Temple 

Garuda Idol

Inside the Changu Narayan 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 Bhupatindra 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 Vikranth

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 Vamana, 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.

Narsimha Vishnu

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