Changu Narayan is widely recognized as the oldest Hindu temple complex in the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to the Licchavi period in the 4th century CE. Situated on a high hilltop in Bhaktapur, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an open-air museum of ancient stone carvings, inscriptions, metalwork, and wood craftsmanship.
Myth of Changu Narayan:
According to Scanda Puran, in the Shiva Puri Range, all Gods were fighting with the demons and Lord Vishnu hid there. He prayed to Lord Shiva for protection for which he formed a pillar of Kileshwor Mahadev. Later Kileshwor Mandir was built in its place. Changu Narayan Temple is placed at the top of hills surrounded by a forest of Champak tree.
Changu Narayan is a village set in the hills about six kilometers north of Bhaktapur. Different temples, statues, and other religious sites were built especially during the Lichhavi and the Malla period. Given are those sites:
1. Changu Narayan
- There is a Narayan statue inside.
- It has two floors built in the Pagoda style during Lichhavi period.
- Towards its West is the metallic door.
- Its upper floor is covered with Vishnu’s carvings.
- It is said to have been built during the period of Mandev in 464 AD.
2. Kileshwor Mahadev
- It is built in a Nepali style.
- It is the first renovated temple after the 2015 earthquake.
- It was built during the Malla period during 16th or 17th Century BS.
- Only Bhatta pujaris are allowed inisde of the temple.
3. Bhupatindra Malla and Bhuwan Laxmi Statue
- It was built around 1744 BS to 1757 BS.
- It is a popular Mughal practice.
4. Garud Statue
- It was built during King Mandev’s period.
- It is the oldest Garud statue of Nepal.
- It was built during 5th Century BS.
5. Stambha Avilekh
- It is the first Avilekh(Manuscript) of Nepal.
- It was written during the period of King Mandev(5th Century BS).
- It is written in the Sanskrit language either in Lichhavi Lipi or Gupta Lipi.
6. Garud Narayan Statue
- It was built during Lichhavi period in between 5th to 6th Century BS.
- It holds all features of Lichhavi period.
7. Radha -Krishna Mandir
- It is a temple built during the Malla period.
8. Jala Droni
- It is a water reservoir.
- It has been built with a good artistic skill.
- It was built in the late Malla period.
9. Chhinamasta
- It is related to Dasamahavidhya.
- It was built in between 3rd to 4th Century AD and is a symbol of Saptmatrika.
10. Vishwo Rupa Statue
- It is regarded as the finest statue of Asia.
- It was carved in the Lichhavi period around 7th to 8th Century AD.
11. Vaman Tribikram
- It is a statue related with Vishnu’s Vaman incarnation(5th incarnation).
- It is also regarded as one of the finest masterpieces.
- It has its whole story portrayed.
12. Laxmi Narayan Temple
- It is a mixed type of temple.
- It was built in the late medieval period.
- It is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu.
13. Kanti Vairav Temple
- It is the protector of Changu Narayan.
- It was built in the late medieval period.
Other different sites of Changu Narayan include:
- Shiva Dev and Amshuverma Manuscript
- Natyaswor Mandir
- Parijat’s Place
- Vaikuntha Vishnu
- Som Lingeswor Mandir
- Ganesh Temple
- Incomplete Elephant
- Shiva Mandir
- Baikuntha Vishnu Statue
