Changunarayan is a hermiya-style pagoda Hindu temple 6 km. Far from Bhaktapur and 22 km from Kathmandu, it is situated at the top of the hill and dedicated to Lord Vishnu (protector). Changunarayan temple is one of the oldest and the first temple built in the early 4th century, and rebuilt in the 17th century after the temple was destroyed by fire. This temple is also listed in UNESCO's cultural world heritage site in 1979. Most of the stone carvings and sculptures in the temple courtyard were built during the dates of the Lichhabi Dynasty. The exquisitely built temple's intricate roof struts show multi-armed Tantric deities. A kneeling sculpture of Garuda, dated to the 5th century with a snake around its neck, faces the temple. They believe that this statue was probably standing on a stone monolith, but fell due to earthquakes. The gilded door depicts stone lions guarding the temple. Gilded windows also flank the door. A conch and a disc, symbols of Vishnu, are carved on the two pillars at the entrance. There are statues of kings and Queens who have restored the temple remarkably. There are important and meaningful pieces of this temple. A ten-rupee note of Nepal has a flying Garuda image from this temple.
History and Significance
Dating and Origin: The temple is widely considered the oldest in Nepal. Its origins are believed to date back as far as 325 AD, during the Lichhavi Dynasty.
Oldest Inscription: A stone pillar inscription from 464 AD, created by King Manadeva of the Lichhavi kingdom, is found on the temple grounds. This inscription is the oldest in Nepal and provides valuable historical information about the era.
Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hinduism, who is also known as Narayan. The temple is one of the four main Narayan temples in the Kathmandu Valley.
Legends: Several legends are associated with the temple's founding. One popular tale recounts how Lord Vishnu, cursed for a past deed, lived in anonymity on the hill, stealing milk from a cow. When a Brahmin and a cow herder discovered him, they unknowingly beheaded him by cutting down a tree, which freed him from his sins. In repentance, they established a temple at the site.
Architectural Features
Style: Changu Narayan is built in a traditional Nepali architectural style, often described as a two-tiered pagoda. It features intricate and embossed wood and metal carvings that showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the Licchavi and Malla periods.
Carvings: The temple is adorned with exquisite carvings on its roof struts, doors, and other structures. These carvings depict various Hindu deities and mythological creatures, including the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Guardians: The four main entrances of the temple are guarded by life-sized pairs of mythical and real animals, such as lions, elephants, griffins, and sarabhas.
