Changu Narayan Temple Travel Guide

Fine Temple with Ancient Stone Carvings

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Rebuilt after a fire in 1702 the temple is dedicated to Narayan, an incarnation of Vishnu. A World Heritage Site the temple has many outstanding stone, wood, and metal carvings dating from the Lichhavi period (3rd to 9th century) whilst on the intricately carved and painted roof struts of the temple the incarnations of Vishnu and various goddesses are represented.

Garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu and as with Shiva’s bull, Nandi, Garuda can always be found at Vishnu’s temples. Here at Changu Narayan a life size 5th century image of Garuda kneels with palms together in the namaste kneels before the temple. Also here is a statue of kneeling King Bhupatindra Malla that celebrated patron of the arts, and his queen.

The temple is two-storeyed and its struts depict the ten incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evil ones.

Looking to the right of the temple are several small shrines is a 5th century stone with a carved relief depicting two different incarnations of Vishnu: at the bottom of the stone, he is shown reclining on a bed of snakes, as at Budhanilkantha; the one shows a 10-headed standing Vishnu is depicted. Nearby is another stone with Vishnu depicted as Narsingha, the half-man, half-lion deity whilst in the northeast corner of the courtyard is a bas-relief depicting Vishnu riding Garuda and which is on the Rs10 banknote.

Activities in Changu Narayan Temple

Allow around an hour to see the temple which can be included on a sightseeing trip to Bhaktapur.

Relaxing

Find a quiet spot to contemplate the history of the temple and enjoy the great views

Getting Around

Visit whilst sightseeing to Bhaktapur (which is a pleasant 4km walk away) or make a separate journey by taxi.

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