Discover Nepal’s Ancient Art at Changu Narayan Temple
Introduction
Perched on a serene hilltop east of Kathmandu, Changu Narayan Temple is Nepal’s oldest known Hindu temple and a masterpiece of ancient art. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple is not just a religious monument — it is a living gallery that preserves some of the oldest sculptures and inscriptions in Nepal, making it a cornerstone of Murtikala, the traditional art of stone and metal sculpture.
Experience the Living History
Visiting Changu Narayan is like stepping back 1,500 years into the Licchavi period, when Nepal’s earliest sculptors brought gods to life through stone and bronze. The temple stands amidst lush greenery and terraced fields, offering breathtaking views of Bhaktapur and the Kathmandu Valley.
As you walk through the temple courtyard, you’ll encounter centuries-old carvings that reflect deep spiritual symbolism and remarkable craftsmanship — from the expressive faces of divine beings to the elegant ornamentation of pillars and doorways.
Ancient Sculptures That Define Nepali Murtikala
Changu Narayan is often called a living museum of sculpture. Some of Nepal’s most treasured artworks can be found here:
- 🕉️ Vishnu Vikrant (Trivikrama) – a 5th-century stone masterpiece showing Lord Vishnu taking three cosmic steps across the universe.
- 🦅 Garuda, the eagle mount of Vishnu – carved in a posture of devotion and bravery.
- 🌏 Vishwarupa – an intricate representation of Vishnu in his universal form, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction.
- 🕉️ Chanda Narayan – a unique 7th-century statue that blends artistic precision with spiritual depth.
Each sculpture is a story in stone, revealing how faith inspired early artists to shape enduring symbols of divinity and power.
Cultural and Artistic Significance
For art historians and sculptors, Changu Narayan serves as the foundation of Nepal’s sculptural heritage. Its inscriptions, dated to the 5th century CE, are the earliest known written records in the Kathmandu Valley. These texts not only confirm the temple’s age but also trace the development of Nepali iconography that later influenced Buddhist and Hindu art across South Asia.
Local Insights and Preservation
The temple’s guardians — the Newar families of Changu village — have protected this heritage for generations. Their continued worship and annual festivals keep the temple’s spiritual energy alive. Efforts by the Department of Archaeology and UNESCO have helped conserve the wooden carvings, sculptures, and stone inscriptions, ensuring that this sacred art endures for future generations.
💬 Tip from locals: Visit early in the morning to experience the calm sound of bells, prayer chants, and golden sunrise illuminating the ancient statues.
How to Visit
- 📍 Location: 12 km east of Kathmandu, near Bhaktapur
- 🚗 Getting There: 30–40 minutes drive from Thamel or a short hike from Bhaktapur
- 🕓 Best Time: October to April, during clear weather and festival months
- 🎟️ Entry Fee: Modest fee for foreigners; free for Nepali visitors
- 🧭 Nearby Attractions: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nagarkot Viewpoint
Why Murtikala Celebrates Changu Narayan
For Murtikala, Changu Narayan is more than a heritage site — it’s the origin point of Nepali sculpture. It embodies the harmony between spirituality and art that continues to influence Nepal’s artisans today. Visiting the temple helps us understand how devotion, skill, and storytelling merged to shape one of the world’s most enduring sculptural traditions.
About the Author
Elish Shilakar is a cultural researcher and writer at Murtikala, dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of Nepali sculpture. With years of field experience exploring Nepal’s heritage sites, Elish documents the stories behind ancient artworks to inspire appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in modern times.
