There is a beautiful oldest temple nestled among the lush greenery of Kathmandu Valley that dates back more than 1,700 years. It is known as Changu Narayan Temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its artistic and architectural wonders. It is a great place to explore Nepal's rich cultural heritage.
Changu Narayan Temple is located around 20 kilometers east of Thamel and 7 kilometers north of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
What is the Changu Narayan Temple?
The Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and one of Nepal's oldest temples. It is located in the village of Changu in the Bhaktapur District, on the eastern side of the Kathmandu Valley. The temple was built in the 8th century by Licchavi rulers and has been rebuilt several times since then. The current structure dates back to 1702. The Changu Narayan Temple is considered to be one of the most important temples in Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The History of the Changu Narayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal and is believed to have been built in the 4th century AD. It is located in the village of Changu in the Bhaktapur district, about 20 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver god of Hinduism, and is considered to be one of the most sacred sites for Hindus in Nepal.
The Changu Narayan Temple complex consists of a main shrine, a courtyard, and several smaller shrines and temples. The main shrine contains a statue of Lord Vishnu that is said to date back to the 4th century AD. The courtyard is surrounded by a stone wall with carved images of Hindu deities. Several small shrines and temples within the complex are dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Ganesh, and Lakshmi.
The Changu Narayan Temple is a popular tourist destination due to its age and religious significance. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
The Significance of the Changu Narayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple is one of the most significant temples in Nepal. It is also one of the oldest temples in the country and is believed to have been built in the 4th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a highly revered site for Hindus. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to offer their prayers and worship Lord Vishnu.
The Changu Narayan Temple holds great significance for both religious and historical reasons. For Hindus, the temple is an important pilgrimage site where they can seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. The temple also has a rich history dating back centuries, which makes it an important cultural site.
The Architecture of the Changu Narayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal and is a World Heritage Site. The temple is located in the town of Changunarayan, about 20km outside of Kathmandu. The temple was built in the 5th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is made up of a main sanctum, a mandapa (hall), and a porch. The main sanctum houses a statue of Lord Vishnu, and the mandapa has numerous sculptures of Hindu deities. The temple also has several inscriptions dating back to the 5th century AD.
The Changu Narayan Temple Today
The Changu Narayan Temple is one of Kathmandu's most popular tourist destinations. The temple is situated on a high hill and offers stunning views of the city. The temple was built in the 5th century and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Changu Narayan Temple is also a World Heritage Site.
The Changu Narayan Temple has severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Temple restoration in its original state is taking place.
The two-story pagoda-style temple rises on a stone pedestal. We may also discover the temples of Lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor, and Krishna inside the central temple courtyard. The temple has four entrances, each guarded by a pair of animal griffins.
How to Visit the Changu Narayan Temple
To visit the Changu Narayan Temple, head to the village of Changu which is located about 20 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The temple is situated atop a hillock and can be reached after a short hike.
The best time to visit the temple is during the day when the sun is out. This will allow you to get a good view of the valley below and also see the statue of Vishnu in all its glory.
When you enter the temple complex, take your time to explore all the different shrines and sculptures. The main shrine is located in the center and houses a statue of Vishnu that is more than 1000 years old.
Be sure to dress modestly when visiting the temple .
Conclusion
The Changu Narayan Temple is an incredible site that is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. It's unique architecture and cultural significance have made it a must-see stop on any tour of Kathmandu, Nepal. This World Heritage Site has been around since the 4th century, so it's no surprise that its beauty continues to captivate people from all over the world today. Whether you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views or want to learn more about Nepalese culture, Changu Narayan Temple should be on your list!
