Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal

The Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, is located near Bhaktapur and dates back over 2,000 years to the 2nd century. The temple was repaired and renovated after the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. While some historical accounts mention King Haridutta Verma or King Mandev concerning the temple, inscriptions suggest that King Mandev simply visited the site and donated land. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Changu Narayan Temple is a remarkable testament to Nepal’s religious heritage and architectural brilliance.

A local legend tells of a Brahmin named Sudarshan who discovered a small dark-skinned boy drinking milk from his cows. Angered, he struck the boy with an axe, but Lord Vishnu emerged from the boy’s body. Vishnu revealed that he had been freed from an ancient curse and instructed the Brahmin to worship him at that place daily. Since then, priests at Changunarayan have maintained daily worship. The beheaded head from the legend is believed to be preserved at Bethanchowk, above Dhunkharka. Today, the temple is managed by Guthi Sansthan and continues to be a major pilgrimage site.

Buy images of Changunarayan Temple for editorial use, news portals, and creative media, as well as for printing purposes. After purchase, you can download the images to enhance your editorial content or creative projects.