The Changu Narayan Temple, Kathmandu’s oldest pagoda-style temple on top of a hill, is majestic in its almost abandoned splendour. Hundreds of delicately carved erotic depictions adorn its sides and surroundings.
Quick Links
Changu Narayan Temple History
It was built around the 4th or 5th century during the reign of the Licchavi dynasty by King Mandev. Changu Narayan Temple represents the best architecture and art in Nepal. Nonetheless, finding a more stunning example of what the Kathmandu Valley is all about is difficult. Woodwork, metalwork and stonework come together in dazzling harmony nowhere to greater effect than in the sculptures of Bhupatendra, the seventeenth century Malla king and his queen.
There’s also a human-sized figure of Garuda, with a coiled snake around his neck, close to the country’s oldest stone inscription which records the military feats of king Mana Deva who ruled from AD 464 to 491. Although fire and earthquake have often damaged Changu Narayan temple and its environs over the centuries, this link with the ancient past is still evident in the image of a lion-faced Vishnu ripping the entrails out of his enemy.
Daily rhythms here in the cobblestone square are unchanged, too, with its pilgrim’s platforms and lodges, surrounding the square and the central temple. Cows, chicken, pye-dogs and runny-nosed urchins wander around while women hang their saris out to dry in the warm evening sunlight, which like some pastoral idyll of old, bathes the red brick in glowing orange.
FAQs
Who built Changu Narayan Temple?
It was built around the 325 A. D. during the reign of the Licchavi dynasty by King Hari Datta Verma.
Where is Changu Narayan Temple located?
Changu Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Nepal. It is situated on a hilltop known as Changu or Dolagiri, which is about 7 kilometers east of the Kathmandu Valley in the Bhaktapur district.
What is special about Changunarayan Temple?
The temple is considered to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and is renowned for its historical and artistic significance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds immense cultural and religious importance in the region.
Which God is Worshipped in Changu Narayan Temple?
The main deity worshipped in Changu Narayan Temple is Lord Vishnu, who is considered the preserver in Hindu mythology
What is the Changunarayan Temple?
The temple attracts devotees and tourists alike due to its beautiful architecture, intricate wood carvings, and ancient stone sculptures. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural excellence of Nepal.
When was Changu Narayan Temple built?
The exact date of the temple’s construction is not definitively known, but historical evidence suggests that it was built around the 3rd century during the reign of the Licchavi dynasty.
