CHANGU NARAYAN

Changu Narayan Temple

Located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, changu Narayan --the temple of Lord Vishnu- lies 6 km north of Bhaktapur . The temple is full of magnificent art works in metel and wood. In  fact, it is  one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture.The first calligraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the region of the Licchvi king Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. shows that Changu had already been established as a scared site in the third century A.D.. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.
some of the important sculptures here are :
1. Vishwo Roop-Lord Vishnu in his all pervasive universal form Vishwo Roop represented in a serpent bed-the-symbol of the endless water. This sculpture dates back to 8th century A.D.
2.Vishnu Vikaranta-Lord Vishnu in his most powerful form measuring the space by his feet. The stone has-relief image is dated back to8th century A.D.
3.Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda-the mythical man bird.
4Nr-singa Vishnu in his half human and half lion's form.
      The myth behind the conception of the Changu Narayana Temple portrays the religious significance and importance of th place. According to a legend,Lord Vishnu beheaded a Brahmin thinking it to be a demon and only discovered it later that he had committed a heinous crime. He then wondered on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen form a cow belonging to a hermit sage called Sudharshan. When Sudharshan noticed about the stolen milk, he attacked and beheaded Lord Vishnu which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred and temple has been revered.