Changu Narayan Temple – Nepal

Address

Changu Narayan Temple – Nepal Changunarayan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur District, Nepal – 44600

Deity

Vishnu

Introduction

• Location: Changu Narayan Temple is located 20 km east of Kathmandu and 8 km north of Dudhpati in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the most important temples in Nepal.
• Historical Significance:
  • The temple is believed to have been built around the third century and is noted for its exquisite stone, wood, and metal craftsmanship.
  • It is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Inscriptions: The temple premises are adorned with numerous stone inscriptions related to Lord Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of the Cowherd:
  • A cowherd (Gwala) noticed his cow producing less milk after she grazed in Changu, where she would always go to the shade of a specific tree.
  • Upon investigation, the cowherd and a Brahmin (Sudarshan) discovered a small black boy drinking the cow’s milk under the tree.
  • When the Brahmin cut down the tree, blood flowed from it, and Lord Vishnu emerged, explaining that he had been cursed for killing Sudarshan’s father while hunting.
  • After the Brahmin’s actions freed Vishnu from his sins, they resolved to worship the place and built a small temple in his honor.
  • The descendants of Sudarshan serve as priests, and the cowherd’s descendants act as conservators (Ghutiyars).
• Warrior Legend:
  • About 400 years ago, a mighty warrior named Pranjal was defeated by another warrior known as Changu. To honor Changu, the temple was established.
• Architectural Style:
  • The temple is of pagoda style, reflecting the history of the Lichhavi kingdom.

Special Features

• Chinna Masta Temple: Located within the temple premises, housing the sacred deity Chinna Masta.
• Kileshwor Mahadev Temple: A small two-story Shiva temple nearby, believed to be a protective site for the hill.
• Inscriptions and Sculptures: The temple features ancient inscriptions and sculptures dating back to 464 CE, initiated by King Manadeva, a significant ruler of the Lichhavi dynasty.
• Architectural Details:
  • The temple has four doors facing each cardinal direction, each guarded by lions, sarabhas, gryphons, and elephants.
  • The main entrance (western gate) is artistically decorated with snake carvings, and the struts are adorned with intricate wood carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and other deities.

Festivals

• Changu Narayan Jatra: A significant festival celebrated in the temple.
• Mahashanan Festival: An important festival held at the temple.
• Special Puja Days:
  • Jugadi Nawami and Haribodhini Ekadashi feature special puja ceremonies.
  • Daily puja and aarti are conducted.
  • Local families conduct special puja for personal rituals like birthdays and marriages.
• Other Festivals: Nag Panchami and Hari Bodhani are also celebrated.

Century/Period/Age

3rd century

Managed By

UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Nearest Bus Station

Bhaktapur

Nearest Railway Station

Raxaul and Gorakhpur.

Nearest Airport

Tribhuvan International airport

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