The ancient hindu temple of Changu narayan is located on a high hilltop that is also known as changu or Dolagiri.

It is about 8miles east of kathmandu and few miles north of Bhaktapur. The shrine is dedicated to lord Vishnu.According to legends changu narayan temple existed as early as 325AD.It is the oldest padoga style temple Changu Narayan temple was listed in 1997 AD in UNESCO world heritage.In the grounds there is a stone pillar inscription of great importance recording  the military exploits of king Mandev who reigned from 496AD to 524 AD.

legend about changunarayan

In ancient time a Gwala,a cowherder had brought  a cow from a Brahman named Sudharshan.At the time changu was a forest of Champak tree.It always went to the same tree .At an amazement,while milking,it gave few amount.It went for several days.So oneday, they decided to observe what was going on.To their surprise a small black boy came out from the tree and started sucking the milk.They decided to chop down the tree and after chopping they found the flesh human blood came out from the tree.The Gwala, and the brahmin started sobbing,thinking that they had commited the great crime.Lord Vishnu confessed that he was cursed and he is freed from his curse.After hearing this they started worshipping  the place.They established a small temple in the name of lord Vishnu.Eversince that day,the site has been held sacred.

More about Changunarayan

Changuarayan is considered to be the oldest temple of nepal.The two storey roofed temple stands on a high plinth of stone.It has an architectural style.The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts related to lord Vishnu.Also we can find the temples of lord shiva.

For the better  convenience  and better acommodation,the changunarayan temple is surrounded by different restaurants and guest houses.There is an information center at the  entrance, to changu village.They issue tickets to tourist.It is assumed that, on an average 150 foreigners visit changu.

Changu narayan holds the two Museums.The changu museum has a good collection of ancient tools used by Newar family in Medieval period.The living museum,Ethnographic Museum, inside the  areas of temple which incorporates with objects and photographs collected by Judith Davis.

The main festivals of changu is called changunarayab jatra.The festival 'Mahashnan' held as an important festival.Special puja is conducted on the day 'juwadi nawami' and 'Haribodhani Ekadashi'

The valueable stone sculpture and ancient inscriptions have archeological historical and culture significance.To protect them changu narayan  temple management committe,which is responsible body to work for protection and preconservation of the temple.Many local youth clubs are involved in managing festivals, organising awareness programmes in and around temple area