A famous Hindu temple for Lord Vishnu, Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu, Nepal is the Budhanilkantha Temple. The Temple is well known for its magnificent Lord Vishnu statue. The statue is thought to be older than 1400 years on a black stone. The giant rock carving in Nepal is considered the Temple’s central statue of Budhanilkantha.

The central statue is carved on a single block of black basalt stone. The statue is situated in the center of a 13-meter (42.65-foot) long recessed pool of water and is 5 meters (about 16.4 feet) tall.

Location: Kathmandu District, Nepal

Main Deity: Lord Vishnu

Temple timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

He has four hands, each holding the Sudarshana Chakra, a club, a conch shell, and a gem. He is well-dressed, wearing a crown with multiple Kirtimukha images engraved on it that are frequently seen being layered with a silver crown.

Both tourists and religious pilgrims traveling to Nepal enjoy visiting the Temple. It represents Nepali tradition and heritage and serves as a significant location for cultural and religious rituals and practices.

This outline will discuss the Budhanilkantha Temple’s location, architecture, religious and cultural significance, tourist information, and more.

Due to their similar pronunciations, some people mistakenly link Budhanilkanth with Gautama Buddha, but this is untrue.

The Temple’s name, Budhanilkantha, does not refer to the Buddha; instead, it is of Sanskrit origin and means “Old Blue Throat,” a moniker bestowed on Lord Shiva by the gods after the Lord consumed poison to save the world.

The statue represents Lord Vishnu, one of the “Trimurtis,” along with Brahma and Shiva.

The statue floating in the pool has been suggested for many years. Although 1957’s limited access to scientific rigor prevented either confirmation or denial of the claim, a small piece of the statue’s stone did reveal that it was silica-based and had an astonishingly low density similar to lava rock.

Even though the statue faces up towards the sky, local legend claims that Lord Shiva is a mirror-like image next to the statue in the water.

According to legend, the mirror-like image can be seen during the annual Shiva festival, which takes place in August each year.

On the outskirts of Kathmandu, the nation’s capital, the Budhanilkanta temple is hidden close to the Shivpuri Hills’ foothills.

Nepal is a treasure trove bursting at the seams with historical, ecological, and cultural treasures. It is a whole sensory experience, from the pristine natural beauty of Chitwan National Park to the mysticism of Pashupathinath and the tranquility of Lumbini.

The lesser-known gem, the Budhanilkantha temple, also known as the Temple of the sleeping Narayan, is located in the Kathmandu valley among these and other well-known Nepalese landmarks.

Interesting facts about the Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu that attracts devotees

1. The statue of Lord Vishnu in the Temple is a giant stone carving in Nepal and is considered a masterpiece of Nepali art.
2. The statue of Lord Vishnu is in a reclining position, with his head resting on a coil of seven snakes, representing the seven chakras in the human body.
3. The water tank (kund) surrounding the statue of Lord Vishnu is filled with water from the nearby Shivapuri hills and is considered holy.
4. A dense forest surrounds the Temple, home to various flora and fauna, including monkeys, deer, and peacocks.
5. The Temple is open to people of all castes and religions, and there are no restrictions on visitors.
6. The Temple is also known as Narayanthan Temple and is located at the base of the Shivapuri Hills.
7. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
8. The Temple is an important site for celebrating the annual festival of Haribodhini Ekadashi, which marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long sleep.
9. The Temple was damaged during the 2015 earthquake in Nepal but has since been restored and is open to visitors.

History of Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu

It is believed that the Temple was built during this period by the Lichchhavi King, who ruled the Kathmandu Valley then.

According to local legend, a farmer discovered the statue of Lord Vishnu while plowing his field. The farmer was amazed to find the figure buried underground and reported it to the local authorities. The statue was then installed at the current site of the Temple, and the Temple was built around it.

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the Temple is over 1,400 years old and is carved from a single block of black stone. It is one of Nepal’s most extensive and impressive stone carvings and is considered a masterpiece of Nepali art.

Over the centuries, the Temple has been renovated and restored several times. It suffered damage during the 2015 earthquake in Nepal but has since been restored and is open to visitors.

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The Budhanilkantha Temple holds great religious and cultural significance for Nepalis and Hindus worldwide.

It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is visited by thousands of devotees yearly. The Temple is also an important site for celebrating various festivals and cultural events in Nepal, including the annual celebration of Haribodhini Ekadashi, which marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long sleep.

Legend of Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu

According to a legend, King Pratap Malla (1641–1674 ) had a vision of the future. The king was allegedly cursed, according to the vision. They would pass away too soon if he visited them.

The kings of Nepal would perish if they saw the Budhanilkantha Temple, he thought after having this vision. In fear of the prophecy, royal family members, including the Nepalese kings who followed King Pratap Malla, never visited the Temple.

Architecture

The architecture of the Budhanilkantha Temple is a fusion of traditional Nepali and Indian styles. A high wall surrounds the temple complex, and several smaller shrines are dedicated to various Hindu deities.

The main Temple is a two-story structure with a pagoda-style roof. The roof is adorned with carved wooden struts and is supported by four pillars. The Temple has a stone base and is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The Temple’s main attraction is the statue of Lord Vishnu, which is over 5 meters long and carved from a single block of black stone. The figure depicts Lord Vishnu in a reclining position, with his head resting on a coil of seven snakes, representing the seven chakras in the human body.

The statue is in a large water tank (kund) from the nearby Shivapuri hills. The water is considered holy and is believed to have healing properties.

The temple complex is surrounded by a dense forest, which adds to the area’s natural beauty. The forest has various flora and fauna, including monkeys, deer, and peacocks.

The Budhanilkantha Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Nepali and Indian architecture. Its intricate carvings, sculptures, and beautiful surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists and devotees.

How to reach

The Budhanilkantha Temple is located in the northern part of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Here are some ways to reach the Temple:

1. By Taxi or Private Car: You can take a taxi or hire a private car from Kathmandu to reach the Temple. Depending on the traffic, it takes 30-45 minutes to get to the Temple from the city center.
2. By Public Bus: You can also take a public bus from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha. Buses are available from the city center and other major bus stations in Kathmandu. The bus ride takes around 45-60 minutes.

Festivals celebrated at Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu

The Budhanilkantha Temple hosts several festivals annually, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists. Here are some of the main festivals celebrated at the Temple:

1. Haribodhini Ekadashi: This festival is celebrated in late October or early November and marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month-long sleep. The Temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and a large procession is held, in which the statue of Lord Vishnu is taken out for a ceremonial bath.
2. Teej: This festival is celebrated in August or September by married women who fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands. The Temple is decorated with colorful decorations, and women dress in traditional clothes and jewelry.
3. Janmashtami: This festival is celebrated in August or September and marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast and pray, and the Temple is decorated with lights and flowers. A large procession is held, and the statue of Lord Vishnu is taken out for a ceremonial bath.
4. Shivaratri: This festival is celebrated in February or March and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva, and the Temple is decorated with lights and flowers.
5. Dashain: This festival is celebrated in October and is the biggest festival in Nepal. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The Temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and a large procession is held.

During these festivals, the temple complex is crowded with devotees and tourists, and several stalls sell food and souvenirs. The festivals provide an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and traditions and are a must-visit for anyone visiting the Budhanilkantha Temple.

Significance of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism

Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, alongside Brahma and Shiva. He is considered the preserver of the universe and is revered by millions of Hindus worldwide. Here are some of the critical aspects of Lord Vishnu’s significance in Hinduism:

1. Preserver of the Universe: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is responsible for preserving the universe and maintaining cosmic order. He is said to have incarnated on earth several times to protect the world from evil and restore balance.
2. Consort of Lakshmi: Lord Vishnu is often depicted with his consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The two are believed to be inseparable, and their union symbolizes the harmony between the material and spiritual worlds.
3. Ten Avatars: Lord Vishnu is said to have incarnated on earth ten times in different forms, known as avatars. The most popular avatars are Rama, Krishna, and Buddha. Each avatar is said to have a specific purpose, such as restoring dharma, defeating evil, or teaching humanity.
4. Symbol of Truth and Morality: Lord Vishnu symbolizes truth, morality, and righteousness. He is believed to have a calm and composed demeanor and is often depicted holding a conch shell, a discus, and a mace, representing sound, time, and power.
5. Worship and Devotion: Lord Vishnu is worshipped by millions of Hindus worldwide, who offer prayers, perform rituals, and observe fasts in his honor. His devotees believe that by worshipping him, they can attain spiritual liberation and ultimate salvation.

In summary, Lord Vishnu is an important deity in Hinduism. It is revered for his role as the preserver of the universe, his avatars, his consort Lakshmi, and his embodiment of truth and morality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Budhanilkantha Temple Kathmandu, Nepal, is an important religious site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features a giant deity statue reclining. The Temple’s history, architecture, and festivals add to its cultural and spiritual significance. Lord Vishnu’s role as the preserver of the universe and his importance in Hinduism as a symbol of truth and morality make the Budhanilkantha Temple an important site of worship and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world.