The Changunarayan Temple is known as the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal. It is about 20 kilometers east of Thamel and 7 kilometers north of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This old temple is for Lord Vishnu. There are many old writings on stones from the fifth century about Lord Vishnu at the temple.
Where is Changu Narayan Temple Located?
The Changu Narayan Temple sits on top of a high hill with a view of the Kathmandu Valley and is surrounded by a forest of Champak trees. The area around the temple is where people from different groups, like Brahman, Chhetri, Tamang, and Newar, live.
Because more tourists are coming, there are many hotels, restaurants, and shops for gifts. Along the way to the temple, there is an ancient water tap made of stone that people believe has been there since the Lichhavi period.
Famous stories about the Changu Narayan Temple
- Cowherd and Brahmin Story: Once, a cowherd and a Brahmin saw a boy drinking milk from their cow under a tree. They cut the tree because they were mad, but then the tree started to bleed. Lord Vishnu came out of the tree and said they helped him get rid of his sins by cutting it.
- Warrior Changu's Story: Long ago, about 400 years back, a fighter named Changu won over another fighter named Pranjal. They made the temple to remember Changu's win.
When Changu Narayan Temple Built?
The temple was made around the third century and has some of the finest stone, wood, and metal work. It has been a favorite place for visitors from around the world after it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Changu Narayan Museum
Close to the temple, there is a museum for people who want to learn about the temple's past and King Manadeva from the Lichhavi time. The museum has a lot of old things to see, like coins from different times. People say you must visit the Changunarayan Temple to really understand the culture of the Valley. The temple is one of the four very respected Narayanas in Kathmandu.
Features of Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in Nepal. It is built in a two-level pagoda style on top of a stone base. Inside the main area of the temple, you can find smaller temples for Lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor, and Krishna.
There are four doors to the temple, and each one has big statues of animals like lions, Sharabha, griffins, and elephants guarding them.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for foreign nationals is 300 NPR and 200 for SAARC nationals.
The Changu Narayan Temple has severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Temple restoration in its original state is taking place.
To sum up, the Changu Narayan Temple is a special place that shows the long and important history of culture and religion in Nepal. It is the oldest Hindu temple there and is known for its beautiful old art. It is also a peaceful place for people who live there and for people who come to visit. The temple is on a hill with a great view of the Kathmandu Valley, and the area around it, with its lively community, makes it even more lovely.
