Four-Char-Narayan Temples in the Kathmandu Valley

Table of Contents

1. Changu Narayan Temple-Bhaktapur (a UNESCO site)
- History, Architecture and Art:
2. Shesh Narayan Temple- Pharping
3. Ichangu Narayan Temple- Kathmandu
- Historical and Cultural Significance
4. Bisankhu-Visankhu Narayan Temple- Lalitpur Godawori

The Kathmandu Valley is home to four Narayan Temples, and for this, they are called the Char Narayan Temples in four different directions of the valley, dedicated to Lord Visnu. When there are four Narayana temples at the entrances of the Kathmandu valley, the valley is safe from the evil forces. Among these Narayana temples, the Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest one, dating back to the 4th century.

1. Changu Narayan Temple-Bhaktapur (a UNESCO site)

Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu valley, dating back to the 4th Century AD. The main shrine of Changu Narayan is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Lichhavi period. The temple is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site among seven sites in the Kathmandu valley, above Bhaktapur, on the hilltop.

History, Architecture and Art:

Traditional Nepali pagoda-style architecture
Tiered roofs and intricate wooden carvings
Adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs depicting various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, as well as other deities
The temple houses the Garuda Narayan idol, which is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike.
There is a stone inscription erected by King Mānadeva in 464 AD, which is considered the oldest inscription in Nepal.

2. Shesh Narayan Temple- Pharping

The Shesh Narayan Temple is one of the prime Visnu Temples among the four in the Kathmandu valley. The temple was established in the 3rd century by Visnu Gupta to protect the land from evil forces. It is located about 25 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, Nepal. The devotees make their pilgrimage to this temple, dedicated to Lord Visnu, who is preserving the universe, in his Shesh Narayan form (depicted on the cosmic serpent Shesha).

Shesh Narayan Temple holds the myth of the sacred Kamadhenu cow, fulfilling all desires. There are images of many deities like Aditya and figures of Garuda and Hanuman in the temple premises.

Another interesting point is that the Lord Visnu temple premises have a Buddhist monastery, called Rigzin Drubte Ghatshal Monastery. Besides the temple, there is a world-renowned re-enlightened cave of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). It is such an important cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for seven years, seven months, and seven days.

3. Ichangu Narayan Temple- Kathmandu

Ichangu Narayan Temple is one of the four Lord Visnu Temples (Char Narayan) in the Kathmandu valley. It is located about 5 km northwest of Thamel and 3 km of Swayambhunath Stupa.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Established during the Lichhavi period (5th Century) by Hari Dutta.
Two-tiered pagoda-style temple
Reconstructed in the 18th century
Includes various deities: Lord Visnu, Garuda, and Mahalaxmi

4. Bisankhu-Visankhu Narayan Temple- Lalitpur Godawori

The Bishankhu Narayan Temple is on a beautiful hillside of Godawari, Lalitpur. It is believed to have been established between 43 and 143 AD, and is one of the prominent Lord Visnu temples in the Kathmandu valley. The main site of Bisankhu Narayan is on the rock, which often remains locked. According to legend, the surrounding hills were formed when Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Bhasmasura, who had gained the power to turn anyone he touched into ashes.

The main pilgrimage site is itself a rocky terrain. At the entrance of the temple, there is a narrow fissure in the rock where devotees attempt to pass through. It is believed that if one gets stuck, it indicates sins related to gluttony or arrogance.

The surroundings of the Bisankhu Narayn temple are magnificent. You can enjoy taking pictures from the top of the hill, which is also known as a flagged hill. There is a park on the hilltop; where people can enjoy a picnic. Several temples in the surroundings signify cultural prosperity.