"Nepal's oldest temple holds masterworks of ancient Hindu art on its sacred hilltop"
Changu Narayan Temple
Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, Nepal
On a forested hilltop east of Kathmandu, Nepal's oldest Hindu temple has watched over the valley for over 1,600 years. Changu Narayan houses extraordinary Licchavi-period sculptures—a ten-armed Vishnu, the god riding Garuda, a kneeling Garuda—that rank among South Asia's finest medieval religious art. The stone pillar inscription dated to 464 CE is Nepal's oldest. UNESCO recognized this continuity of worship and artistry by including Changu Narayan in its World Heritage designation.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, Nepal
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
27.7175, 85.4267
Last Updated
Jan 24, 2026
Learn More
Changu Narayan's origins extend to at least the 4th century CE. The site bears Nepal's oldest inscription (464 CE) and houses Licchavi sculptures recognized as national treasures. UNESCO included it in the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage designation in 1979.
Origin Story
Local legend tells of a cow whose milk continuously flowed onto a particular spot on the hilltop. Investigation revealed a Vishnu lingam beneath the earth—the god manifesting his presence and claiming the location. The temple was built to honor this revelation.
Historical evidence places the temple's origins in the Licchavi period, with the oldest inscription dated to 464 CE during the reign of King Manadeva. The inscription records victories and achievements, establishing Changu Narayan as a site of royal patronage as well as popular devotion.
The current temple structure dates to 1702, built after fire destroyed an earlier building. The pre-fire sculptures survived, preserving the artistic heritage while the architecture was renewed.
Key Figures
King Manadeva (r. 464-505 CE)
Licchavi king whose inscribed pillar provides the oldest dated record in Nepal
Spiritual Lineage
The temple belongs to the Vaishnava tradition. Its continuous operation for over sixteen centuries makes it one of the most enduring centers of Vishnu worship in the Himalayan region.
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.