Changu Narayan Temple, perched on a hilltop east of Kathmandu, is revered as the oldest Hindu temple still in use in Nepal, with a history dating back over 1,500 years. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Narayana, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a sacred shrine but also a museum of Nepalese art and architecture, filled with intricately carved stone, metal, and woodwork that span multiple dynasties.

Located in the Bhaktapur District, the temple is a serene yet powerful spiritual and cultural heritage site that attracts pilgrims, history buffs, and art lovers alike.

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🛕 Quick Facts

• Deity: Lord Vishnu (as Changu Narayan)

• Location: Changu Village, Bhaktapur District, Nepal

• Altitude: ~1,540 meters (5,052 ft) above sea level

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of the Kathmandu Valley listing (since 1979)

• Believed Established: 4th century CE (Lichhavi period)

• Significance: Nepal’s oldest functioning Hindu temple

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📍 Location & How to Get There

• Distance from Kathmandu: ~20 km (12.4 miles)

• Access: By taxi, local bus from Bhaktapur, or hiking from Telkot or Nagarkot

• Setting: Situated on a forested ridge overlooking the valley of Manohara River

The peaceful village of Changu, with its traditional Newari architecture, complements the spiritual energy of the temple site.

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🕉 Historical Background

Changu Narayan Temple has been a continuous place of worship since the 4th century, making it the oldest known Hindu temple in Nepal still in use. It was built during the Lichhavi dynasty, one of the earliest ruling powers in the Kathmandu Valley.

Inscriptions and Evidence:

• The temple holds an inscription dated 464 CE, from the reign of King Manadeva, which is the earliest known inscription in Nepal.

• The site is believed to have been sacred even before the Lichhavi era.

The temple has survived earthquakes, invasions, and multiple reconstructions—most recently after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, which caused minor damage.

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🔱 Religious Significance

The main idol is of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narayana, depicted with four arms holding a conch (shankha), discus (chakra), mace (gada), and lotus (padma).

Changu Narayan is an important center for Vaishnavism and is revered as one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley:

1. Changu Narayan (East)

2. Ichangu Narayan (West)

3. Bishanku Narayan (North)

4. Shesh Narayan (South)

Other Deities in the Complex:

• Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle)

• Lakshmi (goddess of wealth)

• Shiva, Durga, and various avatars of Vishnu including Narasimha, Vamana, and Vishwarupa

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🏛 Architectural Features

Changu Narayan is a masterpiece of traditional Nepali pagoda-style architecture, enhanced with Newari artistry and symbolic Hindu motifs.

Key Features:

• Double-roofed pagoda with finely carved wooden struts

• Stone sculptures dating back over 1,500 years

• The Garuda statue in a kneeling pose (dating to the 5th century)

• Sanskrit stone inscriptions, some of the oldest in the country

• Metalworks and toranas (gateways) depicting cosmic scenes and mythological battles

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🎨 Artistic and Cultural Treasures

• Statue of Vishnu riding Garuda (5th century): One of the oldest and best-preserved in Nepal

• Narasimha (Vishnu’s lion-man form): Shown killing the demon Hiranyakashipu

• Vishwarupa statue: A rare depiction of Vishnu’s cosmic form

• Historical inscriptions: Important sources for understanding early Nepali history

The Changu Museum, located just outside the temple, offers additional insight into the area’s archaeological and religious heritage.

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🌅 Festivals Celebrated

1. Changu Narayan Jatra

• Local festival with processions, music, and cultural performances.

2. Haribodhini Ekadashi

• Celebrated in Kartik (October–November), marking the end of Lord Vishnu’s cosmic sleep.

3. Nag Panchami & Dashain

• Devotees offer prayers to Vishnu and other deities housed within the complex.

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🌿 Visiting Tips

• Best Time to Visit: September–December and March–May (clear skies, pleasant weather)

• Entry Fee: Small fee for foreigners (~NPR 300); free for locals

• Footwear: Must be removed before entering the inner courtyard

• Photography: Allowed in outer areas; ask permission inside

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🧠 Did You Know?

• The Garuda statue in front of the temple is one of the oldest freestanding metal sculptures in South Asia.

• The Manadeva inscription (464 CE) is a key artifact for historians studying ancient Nepal.

• Changu Narayan is often called the “Living Museum of Nepalese Art and Culture” due to its rich collection of sculptures and inscriptions.