Changu Narayana

 

Changu Narayana is one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage in Kathmandu valley where god Almighty (Narayana- bearer of universe with all terrestrial and celestial things) resides at the pray of gods and goddesses. Narayana is another name of Lord Vishnu and this temple dates back around 2 millennia from now. It bears the testimony that the state religion of ancient Nepal was Vaishnavism, a sect in Hinduism later revitalized by Ramanuja, the philosopher and preacher in South India, towards the end of 11th century A.D. This is the only pilgrimage site which bears the first record of historical testimony with date. The garuda dhoja, a tall column of stone inscription, erected by Manadeva, the famous Lichchhavi King of ancient Nepal, in 464 A.D. reads:

The greatest god, Lord Vishnu, resides in Dolashikhar (the swing like hill, called Changu in local tongue) at the pray of other gods handling the movement of all three worlds: celestial, terrestrial and sub-terrestrial; so beautifully adorned by kunch shell and heavenly wheel insignia at his hands emerging from lotus colored broad chest sprinkling bliss and heavenly ecstasy on humans on earth.

It is believed that every Wednesday, Badri Narayana visits this place. So milk pudding (payasum) is offered on this day. Besides, the hill top area of the temple commands the whole view of Kathmandu valley, as it lies in Bhaktapur bordering Kathmandu district in mid-eastern part of the valley. There are so many gods and goddesses around the main temple telling legendary stories and historical incidents and time honored traditions. There is an unfinished stone carving of elephant which sweats occasionally when uncalled upheavals and disasters are going to happen in the valley. There are countless romantic episodes associated with Changu Narayana. 

Hello Arya, look! Lord Vishnu is reclining against Shesha (the name of a prominent serpent), holding in four hands Shankha (kunch shell),Chakra (wheel like device), Gada (club) and Padma (lotus).One who with a firm belief visits the place and worships god will enjoy the life on earth and will go to Baikuntha, abode of Lord Vishnu. Lying at the north –east of Kathmandu, this temple has the largest image of Reclining Vishnu in the world.