Changunarayan Temple (One of The Oldest)

Changunarayan Temple (One of The Oldest)

Picture of  Changunarayan Temple from entrance

Nepal is a country situated in the laps of the Himalayas and known all over the world for its natural beauty. This country is not only famous for its natural gifts but also for its cultural and traditional aspects. It is known to everybody that Nepal has hundreds of unexplored and unrecognized places and sites. However, there are few of them which have been well recognized. That is to say, UNESCO has enlisted ten of our heritage sites in World Heritage Sites which is a matter of pride to every Nepali. 

Among the recognized heritages, Changunarayan Temple is known to be the oldest temple of Kathmandu Valley. It is traced to be built in the 4th Century by Lichhavi Dynasty. Also it is believed to be built by Hari Dutta Verma and renovated by Mandev. This temple is one of the best examples of stone, wood and metal crafts of ancient Nepal.

The Legendary Temple is located on a small hilltop in Changu Municipality in Bhaktapur. It is about 22 kilometers east of Kathmandu and about 8 kilometers from Bhaktapur to the north. It is situated on height and so it gives a fantastic view of the Bhaktapur city as well as a part of Kathmandu.

Attractions of Changunarayan Temple

The main attractions of the Temple are of course the unique and magnificent sculptures and monuments in and around the Temple. The two storeyed-temple, built in Pagoda Style has many things to offer to the visitors. As this temple is of Lord Vishnu(the protector), this Temple premises has structures and idols related to him in large numbers.

1) Vishwaroop

Beautifully carved in stone this idol of Lord Bishnu is traced to be of 8th Century A.D.

2) Vishnu mounting Garud

Traced back to 10th Century A.D., this sculpture represents Lord Bishnu riding his vehicle.

3) Vishnu Vikrant

Traced back to 8th Century A.D., this is the most powerful avatar of Lord Bishnu.

A picture of  Narasimha

4) Narasimha Vishnu

This represents another avatar of Lord Bishnu which is half human and half Lion.

5) Vishnu Sculpture

This sculpture shows Lord Bishnu sitting on the back of his vehicle the Garud which is from 9th Century A.D.

Garuda kneeling in front of the main entrance of the temple

6) Garud

In ancient time Gods used to have vehicle of their own in which they traveled places. Similarly the vehicle of Lord Bishnu was Garud. There is a sculpture representing Garud which is a bird and preys snakes.

7) The Museum

Another attraction of Changunarayan Temple premises is the museum which presents the history of the temple, lifestyles of people in ancient time and a variety of antique things.