Changunarayan Temple Tour

Changunarayan Temple Tour: Its History, Religious Importance and Legends

The Changunarayan temple is located in the Bhaktapur district. It is one of the oldest temples of the Kathmandu Valley, which offers ancient artwork, history, and beautiful cultures. The Changunarayan municipality is named after this temple. This temple comprises four entrance doors, each with a guardian (Dwarpal). They consist of a lion, an elephant, a griffin, and a Sarabhas. The main entrance gate is on the western side. It was established by the Lichhavi king Haridatta of Burma around 523 BC.

Regarding its etymology, it has been called Changunarayan, Garudnarayan, and Dolashikar (Lichhavi period). In Nepal Bhasa, ‘Chu’ means Champak tree, and ‘Gu’ means forest. Thus, ‘Chugu’ gradually becomes ‘Changu.’ Similarly, during the regime of Manadev, a renowned Lichhavi king, he built a sculpture of Garud in the temple alongside the sculpture of him and his wife. He also donated land as a Guthi (endowment) for the temple. He also built a ‘Dhungedhara,’ and the main source of water was from Nagarkot, a beautiful tourist destination in Bhaktapur. According to different legends, water, an element of the body, is a source of energy, due to which the stone waterspout is built. The location of that tap resembles Shivalinga. The temple is in a pagoda style, which shows its artistic nature. It’s a historic temple, so it has been renovated by different kings, such as in the medieval era by Shiva Singh and in the 18th century by Bhaskar Malla. Similarly, a massive fire caught the temple, and it was also rebuilt by Bhupatindra Malla. He did some sacred rituals for the wellness of the temple. It is a two-story temple in which the base is one floor. The construction material includes tiles, copper, wood, and bricks; a medium-sized window; and forty Tundals, which consist of three categories of sculptures. The first category is of a tree, followed by sculptures of Shiva and Bishnu, and the last one shows sculptures of a man and animals. There is also Torans.

Changunarayan Temple Overview 

This Changunarayan temple has also been used as a fort in order to provide security to Nepalmandal. This temple has many ‘Daha’ (lakes), which shows it is directly connected to snakes. It has been said that lakes are home to snakes. There is also a tap known as the ‘Narayanhiti’ tap, in which people bathe. The word ‘Narayan’ resembles Lord Vishnu or the king, and ‘Hiti’ means tap in Nepal Bhasa. There is a method to enter the temple. In the main entrance gate (which is not there, due to the earthquake of 2015), there used to be ‘Chuku’ (the Newari name for hinge) at the top and bottom of the door. When we are likely to enter, we should first be purified physically by drinking the water flowing from the sculpture of Naagas located at the side of the gate. After visiting the temple, it is believed that we will be pure mentally too. According to guru Sankaracharya, ‘tantra,’ ‘mantra,’ and various methods are the only ways. Similarly, when we are purifying ourselves, we should chant the verse “Dolagiri Parwata Champapur Mahanagar Changunarayangrame.” It will provide positive vibes in our bodies.

Religious Importance of Changunarayan Temple

Hindus have lots of deities, and we have different temples too. The main objective of all deities and temples we worship is to provide us with mental peace. Since every temple is built with a purpose regarding festivals, this temple also has its own religious importance. Every year at the ‘Haribodhani Ekadashi,’ there is a tradition of lighting an eternal lamp (Akhanda deep) in the temple. According to belief, it has been said that if people have seen the lamp during their lifetime, it will be easier for them to enter heaven. Yamaraj, the god of death, asks people if they have seen the lamp. If people say ‘Yes,’ they are likely to go to heaven.

A great festival, Changunarayan Mahasnan, is celebrated every year. This year it was celebrated from Mangshir 16 to Marga Sukla Duwadashi. Except for maize, millet, buckwheat, and lentils, all grains are offered to deities during a week-long festival. Similarly, the head of the state offers sacred items to the deities.

Legends: Changunarayan Temple

There are different myths regarding the Changunarayan temple. In ancient times, the Changunarayan area was covered with a dense forest of Champak (chapa) trees. Near that place, a Brahmin named Sudarshan used to live. He had many cows and had many employees to graze the cows. One day, he saw that his new lactating cow didn’t give milk, and he was suspicious of whether the cowherd had stolen milk. The next day, he followed his cowherd during the grazing time. He saw that the cowherd was sleeping and the cow was eating grass. In the meantime, he saw a small Black boy go near the cow and drink the milk directly from its udder. He was shocked and shouted at the boy. The boy just disappeared by hiding under the tree. From the voice of the master, the cowherd woke up and was surprised to see him.

The angered Brahmin cut off the boy’s head using the sword, and a miracle happened. The Black Boy was none other than four-armed Vishnu. Then the Brahmin realized that he had made a mistake and was going to cut off his head, and then Vishnu said, “During the time of ‘Devasurshanghram,’ a Brahmin named Sumati was fighting against me on behalf of the Asura, and I had to kill him. Since I killed a Brahmin, Guru Sukracharya cursed me for the incident. He said you will be free from the curse when the descendant of Sumati kills you. Since you have done your duty, it is not a crime; rather, you are a priest of mine.” Then Vishnu taught him to worship. Similarly, the priest has to do their duty even in their mourning periods.

Narratives About Changunarayan Temple

The sculpture of Narayan is associated with a necklace, which is called ‘Satyanag.’ The god had hidden the Nag in the Sundarjal, but Garud wanted to find the Nag. The Nag came out of the lake, convincing his wife not to open where he had gone. Then Garud came and asked her about Nag. She didn’t say anything. Due to her behavior, Garuda was angry and told the Nag that she had eloped with another Nagin. After listening, she said the truth that he has changed himself into a human and has gone to see a ‘Jatra.’ He is a bit taller than the other person and has no shadow. Finally, Garud found Nag, and she ran away into the house, but her wife didn’t let him enter. Then he cursed him that she would weep all day, and Nag sat down on the neck of Narayana. (The above story is told by Chakradharananda Rajopadhyaya, a descendant of Sudarshan Brahmin.)

Another myth is regarding the demon Mur. This demon tried to destroy the Nagarjun and Dolalghat hills. Due to the fear of demons, people remembered God. So, Lord Vishnu sent Garuda to fight with the demon, but Garuda was defeated. Then Vishnu himself came, but neither Mur could defeat him, nor could he defeat Mur. So, Vishnu summoned Lord Shiva, and Shiva appeared. During the fight, Mur shook both the hills, and people were in panic. So, Shiva stood as a peg (Kila), due to which there is also a temple of Kileshwor Mahadev. The fight was going on, and Lord Vishnu invoked Mahamaya. Due to the severe penance, Lord Vishnu's head was severely damaged. As a result, Goddess Chinnamasta appeared and finally defeated Mur.

Thus, due to the residence of Narayana, it is called Changunarayan. Along with Narayan, the temples of Kileshwar Mahadev and Goddess Chhinnamasta also hold special importance. Many other statues of Ganesh, Shiva lingas, and various deities are found around the temple complex.

Near the Chhinnamasta temple, there is an unfinished stone statue of an elephant. There is a saying that when an architect was designing the stone, there was a sudden flow of blood from the stone, and he was terrified. Since this incident, no one has dared to touch the statue.

Tourist Spot: Most Visit place of Nepal

The Changunarayan temple is a religiously, historically, and architecturally important tourist destination. Among the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley, it is one of them, listed in 1979 AD. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (about 4,921 feet), the temple provides panoramic views of the surrounding area: Nagarkot lies to the east, Thankot to the west, Shivapuri to the north, and Phulchoki hill to the south. From this stance, the entire Kathmandu Valley is visible below. It is also famous for trekking routes. The trail passing through Telkot Bhanjyang and Telkot Hill is widely regarded as one of the premier trekking paths in the Kathmandu Valley.

Explore the Ancient Museum at Changunarayan.

The beautiful Changunarayan temple is located in Bhaktapur, about 20 kilometers from Kathmandu. The ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site Changunarayan Temple has two museums, the Changu Museum and the Living Tradition Museum. The Changunarayan temple itself is one of the living museums. The Changu Museum is Nepal’s first private museum, where you can explore ancient coins, crafts, Newari tools, historical goods, architecture, artwork, and the Kama Sutra. While visiting the Changunarayan temple, you will be exploring the beautiful wooden artworks, ancient architecture, traditional culture, and beautiful surroundings. The Hindu Newari culture and human civilization in the Kathmandu Valley will be shown while visiting the Changunarayan temple and its museum.

Why Changunarayan Temple is a Popular Tourist Destination

Changunarayan Temple is one of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal; you will be exploring ancient artwork, architecture, and amazing history. You can have an exploration of Newari showcases, wood and stone carvings, and historic inscriptions like those from the Lichhavi and Mandev eras. There is the Mandev Pillar; it is crucial to study the history of the Lichhavi and Mandev. Ancient spirituality makes your Changunarayan visit worthwhile. The visitor will be offered the ancient historic significance, artistic masterpieces, ancient architecture, religious exploration, and scenic views. Moreover, the Changunarayan Temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will experience the rice courtyard sites during your visit.

Tourist Entry Permits for Changunarayan Temple

The Changunarayan temple has entry permits for foreign tourists; however, for Nepali nationals, entry is free. Foreign tourists need to pay Rs 300, equivalent to 2.5 dollars, and SAARC nationalities need to pay Rs 100, equivalent to nearly 1 dollar. SAARC nationalities include India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. During the visit to Changunarayan, there will be an entry ticket; you will pay the respective amount, and you can explore inside the premises for an unlimited time. Travellers can hire a tour guide, who will explain about the history, cultures, traditions, and spiritual meaning of the unravelled facts of the Changunarayan temple.

Changunarayan Temple Directory

The Changunarayan temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples located on a hilltop in Bhaktapur. The temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979; it’s known for its intricate 4th-century carvings, ancient stone inscriptions, and pagoda style architecture. The beautiful wood and stone carvings, Thangka paintings, and beautiful art crafts make the Changunarayan temple gorgeous. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Bishnu and displays unique features like the Garud Shrine. Travellers will be exploring the Chhinnamasta temple, Kileshwar Mahadev, Ganesh temple, Krishna shrine, stone inscription, and the beautiful Manohara River during the Changunarayan temple visit. The temple is on a hilltop in Bhaktapur, approximately 20 to 22 km from Kathmandu, where you can see the surrounding views of Bhaktapur. You can learn about ancient artworks, local culture, the Kamasutra, the goddess Bishnu or Vishnu, and beautiful architecture during the Changunarayan temple tour.

Cost and Expenses for Changunarayan Temple Tour

The cost and expenses of the Changunarayan temple tour from Kathmandu will be USD 60 to 100 per traveler. However, the cost of the Changunarayan temple tour varied; it depended on the required services, private transportation, and hiring tour guides. The cost of an expert city tour guide is about USD 25 to 35 per day. The private transportation from Kathmandu back and forth will cost around USD 45 to 50, and it will be around USD 3 for the entrance fee to Changunarayan Temple. There will be about USD 15 to 20 for the agency charges. Hence, the cost for the Changunarayan temple tour would be around USD 100. Furthermore, you will have snacks and coffee in the local restaurant in the Changunarayan temple. The best travel and tour companies, like Touch Planet Treks, will offer the private Changunarayan Temple Tour at USD 95 per traveler.

Changunarayan Temple Private Tour Cost Breakdown from Kathmandu

• Private transportation for Changunarayan temple visits: USD 50
• Hiring an expert city tour guide for the Changunarayan temple tour for USD 30
• The Changunarayan temple entry fee costs approximately USD 3.
• Having fresh Himalayan coffee and snacks in Changunarayan for USD 15 to 17
• Hence, the total cost and expenses for the Changunarayan Temple tour is USD 100.

The Budget for the Changunarayan Temple Tour Cost and Expenses

• Public transportation from Kathmandu back and forth is about USD 4.
• Budget city tour guide in Changunarayan for an hour for about USD 15 to 20
• The Changunarayan Temple entry fee costs approximately USD 3 each.
• Having fresh coffee, snacks, or a light brunch in Changunarayan costs about USD 15.
• The agency service charges for the Changunarayan temple tour are USD 10.
• The total budget cost of the Changunarayan temple tour is USD 50 to 55 per traveler.

Conclusion of Changunarayan Temple Tour

The Changunarayan temple tour offers a deep immersion in ancient Newari Hindu culture and traditions. The beautiful arts and crafts, ancient architectures, stone carvings, beautiful Kamasutra art carvings in the wood, and amazing Garuda Vishnu statue drive you into spiritual peace. During the Changunarayan temple tour, you can also consider adding a trip to the Nagarkot sunrise tour, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, or a full-day cultural immersion experience, among others. For those seeking ancient scriptures and history enthusiasts, the Changunarayan temple tour is the ideal place to explore. The Changunarayan temple visit will offer you the best spiritual immersion, ancient arts studies, and exploration of the unrevealed history. Moreover, the traveller hiring the expert city travel guide will receive a detailed briefing of the culture, history, scriptures, and an in-depth directory of the Changunarayan temple.

FAQs of Changunarayan Temple Tour

What is the Changunarayan Temple famous for?

The Changunarayan temple is famous for being the oldest Hindu temple, with beautiful pagoda-design architecture, ancient arts and crafts, and amazing stone carvings. The temple is listed as one of UNESCO's world heritage sites of Nepal, where you can see the beautiful Vishnu Garuda statue and real and mythical beasts that will amaze you. The 5th-century-built Changunarayan temple is popular for arts and crafts studies, ancient history, and the human civilization of the Kathmandu Valley.

Which is the world's holiest and most sacred Hindu temple?

The Pashupatinath is the world's holiest and most sacred Hindu temple, which is located in Kathmandu, Nepal, at the riverbank of the Bagmati River. Thousands of devotees will be visiting every day to worship in the temple from Nepal, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and around the world. The Pashupatinath temple believes goddess Shiva was living in the temple, and there is a belief that, whatever devotees wish to have, goddess Shiva will fulfil their wishes.

How do you get to the Changunarayan Temple Tour?

Changunarayan temple tour from Kathmandu. You will hire an affordable vehicle and drive to Bhaktapur via Ratnapark, Baneshower, and Koteshower, and reach Changunarayan. The distance from Kathmandu to Changunarayan Temple is approximately 20 to 22 kilometer drive, which will take about 35 minutes to 1 hour to reach. Travellers will explore the beautiful surroundings of Changunarayan temple and return to Kathmandu. However, you can go to Changunarayan temple via public buses. You will ride the bus to Ratnapark and change buses from Ratnapark to Bhaktapur. Travelers will get a bus from Bhatapur to Changunarayan and hike for about 10 to 15 minutes; then they will get to the beautiful Changunarayan temple.

What is the altitude of the Changu Narayan temple?

The altitude of the Changu Narayan temple is about 1,700 meters above sea level, and it is about 20 kilometers from Kathmandu Thamel. Travelling from Thamel to Changu Narayan Temple will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car.

When was the Changu Narayan temple built, and by whom?

During the 4th century of the Lichhavi era, the Changu Narayan temple was built by King Mandev. At the time of the Lichhavi dynasty, the charismatic king Mandev built the historic Changu Narayan temple. The legends say King Haridatta of Burma also gets the credit for building the Changunarayan temple. Furthermore, King Bhupatindra Malla rebuilt the temple after it was caught in the fire of the Changu Narayan temple.

What will be the cost for the Changunarayan temple tour from Kathmandu?

Changu Narayan, or Changunarayan Temple, is one of the best places to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu. The cost of the Changunarayan temple tour from Kathmandu varies depending on the required services and components. Hence, the private Changu Narayan tour cost is approximately USD 90 to 100 per traveller.

What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu?

There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, which are listed below. Their heritage sites are palaces, a sacred temple, and beautiful viewpoints.

• Pashupatinath Temple
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Pathan Durbar Square
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple
• Changunarayan Temple
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Day tour in Bhaktapur what are the sites can we visit along with Changunarayan Temple?

Yes, travelers during a full day of sightseeing can visit Changu Narayan Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nagarkot sunrise tour, Nyatapola Temple, the National Art Gallery, etc. The Nagarkot sunrise view will be wonderful, where travelers can explore the Mount Everest views on clear days. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, and Nagarkot Tour are the best places for a day tour in Bhaktapur.

How far is Nagarkot hill from Changunarayan Temple visit?

From the Changunarayan temple tour, there will be about 10 kilometers to the Nagarkot hill. Travellers will reach within a 20-minute drive from the Changunarayan temple. While exploring the Changunarayan temple, it is worth visiting the beautiful viewpoint of the Nagarkot hill tour.

Is visiting the Changunarayan Temple tour worth it?

Yes, a day tour to the Changunarayan temple is perfectly worth it for your Bhaktapur day tour from Kathmandu. Travelers can have a beautiful overnight stay at the hill station of Nagarkot after finishing the Changunarayan temple tour. It is a popular trail of the Changunarayan tour, the Nagarkot hike, and the Dhulikhel visit from Kathmandu.