Binod Khadka, MPA, MA (Tourism Management)

Shree Changu Narayan

(Picture: http://nepal.saarctourism.org/changu-narayan.html)

A world heritage site

A religious place to visit

A historical place to attend for

A site for nature lovers

(Picture: http://bluedandelion.net/viit/kathmandu_changu.htm)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Changu Narayan is the name of the deity enshrined in the Changu Narayan Temple, located near the Changunarayan village in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley, and is believed to be constructed in the 3rd century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the Temple is dedicated to him. A stone slab discovered in the vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th century, and is the oldest such stone inscription discovered in Nepal.It is listed as one of the world heritage site by UNESCO

The Changu Narayan Temple is one of seven structures cited by UNESCO as demonstrating the historic and artistic achievements that make the Kathmandu Valley a World Heritage Site.[1]

Source : Wikipedia.org

(Picture : Binod Khadka)

Trip Planning to Changu Narayan temple …..may be below information helps you…..

This impressive double roofed temple is said to be the most ancient Vishnu temple in the Kathmandu Valley. The original temple was built around the 4th century. The present pagoda-style temple was rebuilt in 1702 after it was destroyed by fire. It is located in a beautiful peaceful location, 4km north of Bhaktapur, on a hill top in the east side of the Valley. From the temple there are good views of the valley in three directions. The original 5th century stone deity of Lord Vishnu is said to be in the sanctum, but only the priest can see the deity.
The temple can easily be reached by taxi or bus, or it is an interesting walk from Bhaktapur or Nagarkot.

The temple is dedicated to Narayan, who is an incarnation (expansion) of Lord Vishnu. It has many old outstanding stone, wood, and metal carvings dating from the Lichhavai period. On the intricately carved painted roof struts of the temple are intricate carvings of the ten incarnations of Vishnu and goddesses.

A life size 5th century statue of Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu kneels with his hands folded before the temple. Besides Garuda is one of the oldest Licchavi stone inscriptions. In front of the temple here is a statue of kneeling King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen.

There is a sixth century stone statue of Vishnu Viswarup, the universal form of Lord Vishnu that Lord Krishna showed Arjuna while speaking the Bhagavad Gita. On the Lakshmi Narayan Temple there is an 8th century statue of six-armed Trivikratha (Lord Vamana), and next to it is a statue of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Behind the last two statues is a little black slab that has an image of Narayan lying on the traditional serpent Ananta and above it Lord Vishnu with 10 arms and heads. In the northwest corner of the courtyard is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu riding on Garuda, which is on the Rs 10 Nepali banknote. Above the main door is Lord Vishnu holding his four symbols.

The beautifully gilded door is guarded by stone lions of it and has intricate gilded windows on either side. On four pillars in the four corners are the symbols representing Lord Vishnu: the chakra (disc) and conch shell, the lotus (padma), and club (gada).

Non-Hindus can not enter the inner part of the temple.

During the Mila Punhi festival, held on the full moon day of the month of Magh (Jan/Feb), the silver kalash of the Deity is carried in procession. To be greeted by the Goddess Kumari at the Taleju Temple, in Kathmandu.

Where to Stay and Eat
Changu Narayan Hill Resort, a half km from the temple, has really basic rooms with common bath for Rs 250. It has a restaurant.
Champak Restaurant is at the southeast corner of the temple.
Lovely Coffee House has snacks and drinks. It is near the parking lot (car park), from where there are some great views.

Travel
Vehicle The Changu Narayan temple is a couple of hours drive east of Kathmandu (22 km), north of Bhaktapur (4 km). There are regular buses from Bhaktapur (30-min) to the temple. A taxi roundtrip from Kathmandu is around Rs 600 and from Bhaktapur is around Rs 200.

It takes about an hour to ride a mountain bike to here from Bhaktapur. It is an enjoyable 45-minute ride downhill, but the ride uphill is steep and it quite a tough ride. From Bhaktapur it is another 45-minute bike ride to Kathmandu.

Walking or Bicycle The trail from Bhaktapur begins in the northeast part of the city. It is on a hill overlooking the valley. To walk here from Bhaktapur takes about two hours. Once you leave town the temple is clearly visible on top of the hill. The walk is not difficult except the last climb near the temple.

It is a pleasant, interesting walk downhill from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur, stopping at Changu Narayan on the way. It is three or four hour 10km walk from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan.
You can also go on foot or by bike to Bodhnath, Gokarna, Sankhu or other places. From the north or west entrances of the temple is a steep trail that descends to the Manohara River. You then cross the river. You can wade across the river and there is a temporary bridge during the dry season. You are then on the Sankhu road at Bramhakhel, and Gokarna is 3½ km northwest.

If you are coming to Changu Narayan from the Sankhu road, there is a sign for Changu Narayan on the wall of a building at the south side of Branmhakhel. From the sign it is a five minute walk to the river and temporary bridge. It is a hard climb up the steep hill which will take at least 40 minutes. You may want to hire a guide and a bicycle carrier to go up the hill. There most likely will be someone in the village to help you, but you should set a price in advance.

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Source : http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/Nepal/Kathmandu-Valley/Changu-Narayan.htm

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Trip Planning to Changu Narayan temple …..may be below information helps you…..

Changu Narayan Temple

The Essence of Kathmandu Valley

Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley.

Fast Facts

Location	22 km from Kathmandu
Importance	Oldest temple in Kathmandu valley
Built in	4th century A.D.
Devoted to	Hindu Lord Narayan (Vishnu)
Major Attraction	Vishnu image with ten heads and ten arms

Historical Importance

It is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley.
A Vishnu idol with ten heads and ten arms is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century.
The temple is of great importance due to its idols and shrines having rich architectural beauty.

Places to be Seen

Garuda Narayana Temple
Shrine of King Bhupalendra Malla and his mother
Krishna Shrine
Nateshvara Shrine
Sculpture of Sri Mahadev
Sculpture of Garuda
Shrine of Somalingeshvara
Sculptures: Vishnu, Durga Avalokitesvara and Garuda Ganesh
Ganesh Shrine
Bhagvati Temple
Vishnu Vikranta
Vishnu Vishvarupa
Lakshmi Temple Shiva Temple
Stone Column

Legendary places in the temple
Garuda Idol
Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.

King Bhupendra Malla Statues
Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. Bloody fighting characterised their politics during the 17th century but both were generous when it came to revering the gods.

Vishnu Sculpture
To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

Important Vishnu Sculptures
Vishwaroop
Vishwaroop sculpture, dating back to 8th century A.D., presents Lord Vishnu in his universal form.

Vishnu Vikrant
The stone idol, harking back to the 8th century A.D, is of the most powerful form of Lord Vishnu. It is related to the Hindu legend of Vaman, an incarnation of Vishnu, who measured space with feet.

Vishnu Riding Garuda
This figure of Vishnu mounting Garuda, the mythical bird, dates back to the 10th century A.D.

Narsimhha Vishnu
This form of Lord Vishnu, the Narsimha, is in half human and half lion form.

How to Reach
Take a taxi from Bhaktpaur to reach Changu Narayan temple. The driv would be of approximately 30 minutes.

Source : http://nepal.saarctourism.org/changu-narayan.html

Click in below links for more information, pictures and attractions

In Changu Narayan

Link 1 - http://bluedandelion.net/viit/kathmandu_changu.htm

Link 2 - http://travel.webshots.com/album/19573993BfAXyaZIny

Link 3 - http://www.exoticbuddha.com/english/tag/changu-narayan/