THE ESSENCE OF THE VALLEY

 

Changu Narayan Temple

 

The Essence of Kathmandu Valley

 

Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley.

 

Fast Facts

Location         : 22 km from Kathmandu

Importance         : Oldest temple in Kathmandu valley

Built in         :  4th century A.D.

 

Historical Importance

It is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley.

A Vishnu idol with ten heads and ten arms is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century.

The temple is of great importance due to its idols and shrines having rich architectural beauty.

 

Places To Be Seen:

Garuda Narayana Temple

Shrine of King Bhupatendra Malla and his mother

Krishna Shrine

Nateshvara Shrine

 

Sculpture of Sri Mahadev

Sculpture of Garuda

Shrine of Somalingeshvara

Sculptures: Vishnu, Durga Avalokitesvara and Garuda Ganesh

Ganesh Shrine

Bhagvati Temple

Vishnu Vikranta

Vishnu Vishvarupa

Lakshmi Temple Shiva Temple

Stone Column

 

Legendary Places In The Temple

Garuda Idol

Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.

 

King Bhupendra Malla Statues

Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. Bloody fighting characterised their politics during the 17th century but both were generous when it came to revering the gods.

 

Vishnu Sculpture

To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

 

Important Vishnu Sculptures

Vishwaroop

Vishwaroop sculpture, dating back to 8th century A.D., presents Lord Vishnu in his universal form.

 

Vishnu Vikrant

The stone idol, harking back to the 8th century A.D, is of the most powerful form of Lord Vishnu. It is related to the Hindu legend of Vaman, an incarnation of Vishnu, who measured space with feet.

 

Vishnu Riding Garuda

This figure of Vishnu mounting Garuda, the mythical bird, dates back to the 10th century A.D.

 

Narsimhha Vishnu

This form of Lord Vishnu, the Narsimha, is in half human and half lion form.