Changunarayan Temple
Located on a high hilltop, known as Changu or Dolagiri, the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan was surrounded by champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. With Manahara River flowing beside the hill, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds a special reverence among Hindus.This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. The Kashmiri king gave his daughter, Champak, in marriage to the prince of Bhaktapur. Changu Narayan Temple is named after her.
About the temple
The Changunarayan Temple is said to be the oldest Hindu Temple still in use in the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is built in the two tiered pagoda style, and the main shrine here is guarded on all sides by pairs of real and mythical beasts - elephants, lions, winged lions and ram-horned giffons - and its roof struts feature some amazingly intricate carvings of Tantric deities.
There is also a private museum located on the way to the Changu Narayan temple by the name of Changu Museum. The museum has the collection of ancient coins, tools, arts, and architectures. There is also excellent collection of ancient, historical, artistic, religious, archaeological, cultural and other rare objects. The museum also houses ancient tools used by Newar family during the medieval period.
It was established on the occasion of the millennium year 2000 AD with the permission of Changu Narayan VDC. On an average 35 visitors visit this museum in a day. Mostly foreigners and Nepali students visit this museum.
Temple Architecture
The two storey roofed temple stands on a high plinth of stone. The architectural style of the temple can be described as a traditional Nepali temple. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts related to Lord Vishnu.
Temples of Lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor and Krishna are found inside the courtyard of the main temple. The entrance door is gilded with carvings of Naaga (snakes). The main entrance gate of the temple is adorned with Chakra, Sankha, Kamal and Khadga all at the top of a stone pillar. The stone pillars have an inscription in Sanskrit, and the inscriptions are considered to be the oldest inscription of Nepal. The stone inscription pillar was erected by Licchavi (kingdom) King Manadeva in 464 AD.
How to reach
You can take a mini-van bus from Kathmandu city, if you want to experience an adventurous ride. The bus will drop you off for around 60 rupees. It is the cheapest medium to reach your destination and is also a way to experience the daily lifestyle of the locals here.