In ancient times, it was believed there were more temples in Kathmandu than houses, as well as more statues of gods and goddesses than people. Kathmandu Valley’s rich culture with over 6000 temples, majestic buildings, monuments, arts, museums, etc makes it one of the world’s greatest cultural destinations.
Narayana Temple is located among the thriving and culturally vibrant streets of the Kathmandu and comes to represent the rich cultural heritage of the region. Due to its rich history, magnificent architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, the ancient temple is a significant place of worship for pilgrims from around the World.
Lord Vishnu, one of the major deities of Hinduism, is worshipped in many temples around Kathmandu, including Budhanilkantha Temple and the four famous Narayana temples dedicated to his Narayana form. According to the legends, the four Narayan temples at the four corners of the city are believed to protect the valley from evil.
According to legends, in ancient times, to ensure Kathmandu’s prosperity, the rulers ordered the placement of Vishnu/Narayan Shrines at all cardinal points of Kathmandu valley from which the gods could watch and protect the valley. Here are the lists of 5 major Vishnu temples located in Kathmandu valley.
- Budhanilkantha Temple at the base of Shivapuri Hill
The Budhanilkantha Temple is a Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located below Shivapuri Hill in Kathmandu Valley. The temple, also called Narayanthan, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and you can see a floating statue of Lord Vishnu surrounded by water on all sides.
The Lord Vishnu stands five meters (17 fits) tall and is enshrined in a tank thirteen meters (43 fits) long with his legs crossed and his sleeping body resting on Ananta’s coils and 11 hooded heads. Vishnu holds four symbols in his four hands: the Shankha as a conch shell, the Chakra as a disc, the Gada as a club, and the Padma as a lotus flower.
There are thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple every year during Haribondhini Ekadashi on the 11th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October – November). Every year, Budhanilkantha also holds a big fair to mark the auspicious dates of Ekadashi, Harishayani, and Haribodhini, which mark the Hindu belief of Lord Vishnu’s four-month sleep.
- Changu Narayan Temple at Bhaktapur:
The Changu Narayan Temple lies about 15 kilometers east of Kathmandu in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Changu Narayan Temple is among the finest examples of Lichhavi art and architecture in Nepal, and it is also the oldest temple in the country.
The Changu Narayan Temple is treasure hub with statues, inscriptions, and ornaments, and is a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage site. The carvings of Lord Vishnu’s eleven avatars and other deities simply provide a visual delight.
Changu Narayan Temple is a unique example of Hindu and Buddhist religious sites coexisting with symbolic and artistic values closely tied to legends, rituals, and festivals. The temple is often visited during Harishayani Ekadashi in Ashadh and Haribodhini Ekadashi in Kartik by many devotees. However, you can the temple all year round.
- Ichangu Narayan at Nagarjun Hill
There are many hidden gems in the Kathmandu Valley, and Ichangu Narayan is certainly one of them. The Ichangu Narayan temple is situated about 3km northwest of Swayambhunath. It is dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan, which means ‘the eternal man’.
This temple is magnificent and has an extremely peaceful and authentic atmosphere. In addition, the path to Ichangu Narayan is very nice and well-preserved. This temple can be visited all year long, but it becomes spectacular during Tihar when marigold flowers bloom on the perfectly bent hills.
- Bishankhu Narayan at Godawari
Bhishankhu Narayan at Godawari, Kathmandu is said to have been built between 43-143 AD by Lichhavi king Haridutta Varma at Bandegoun. The object of worship is a plain rock at this temple, which is relatively simple. There are rich water resources around the temple, as well as thick forests surrounding it.
In the temple, there is a tiny gap between the rocks where the locals believe that you can determine your status as a sinner based on the stone. The gap is said to create either gluttony or arrogance in those who get stuck in it.
During the festival of Thulo Ekadashi in Kartik, the temple is particularly popular among local devotees. However, you can visit the temple all year round as the view from this temple is scenic and pleasant.
- Shesh Narayan Temple at Pharping
Sheshnarayan temple lies under a cliff face just outside the medieval town of Pharping, sharing its boundary with Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in the town. This combination of sacred sites in the same place explains why religion has been tolerated in Nepal since the beginning of time.
A few statues carved during the Licchavi period are on display in the courtyard, including lively representations of Garuda and Hanuman. There are many koi carp in the surrounding ponds, as well as an arch-framed image of Aditya, which is submerged in the water. You can visit the temple all year around.
The Narayan Temple of Kathmandu Valley combines history, architecture, and spirituality in a mesmerizing way. The ancient walls of this place and the sacred air that fills the air make you part of a lifelong narrative that transcends space and time.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, you will find that visiting the Narayan Temple is an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time. So, explore the religious aspect of Nepal, visiting the Narayan Temples of Kathmandu valley with the Himalayan Circuit Treks.
