Changu Narayana

Located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, Changu Narayana – the temple of Lord Vishnu – lies some 6km north east of Bhaktapur. The temple is full of magnificent art works in metal and wood. In fact, it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to  464 A. D. show that Changu had already been established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A. D. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.

Some of the important sculptures here are:
1.    Viswo Roop – Lord Vishnu in his all pervasive universal form Vishwo Roop represented in a serpant bed the symbol of the endless water. This sculpture dates back to 8the century A. D.
2.    Vishnu Vikaranta – Lord Vishnu in his most powerful form measuring the space by his feet. The stone bas relief image is dated back to 8th century A. D.
3.    Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda – the mythical man bird.
4.    Nr-Singha Vishnu in his half human and half lion form


The myth behind the conception of the Changu Narayana Temple portrays the religious significance and importance of the place. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu beheaded a Brahmin thinking it to be a demon and only discovered it later that he had committed a heinous crime. He then wandered on earth on his mount, the Garuda eventually descending on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen from a cow belonging to a hermit sage called Sudharshan. When Sudharsan notice about the stolen milk, he attacked and beheaded Lord Vishnu which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins. Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred and the temple has been revered.

Glance of Nepal