Heritage Free Outdoor

Budhanilkantha Temple

See Kathmandu’s remarkable five-metre reclining Vishnu statue resting in a sacred pond beneath the Shivapuri hills.

Location Budhanilkantha, northern Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu
Budget Free Heritage
Best time Early morning Evergreen pick
Good for Couples Family friendly
Budhanilkantha Temple

About this spot

Budhanilkantha Temple, also called Narayanthan, is a revered Hindu site at the northern edge of Kathmandu beneath the Shivapuri hills. Its centrepiece is a remarkable five-metre Licchhavi-period stone image of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of the serpent Shesha in a sacred pond. The open-air shrine remains an active place of worship and is especially important during Haribodhini Ekadashi. Visit early in the morning to watch daily devotional life and avoid the busiest hours. Entry is free, but dress modestly, follow signs around the sanctum, ask before photographing worshippers and leave space for devotees making offerings.

Location

Budhanilkantha, northern Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu

Budhanilkantha Temple, Narayanthan, Kathmandu

Open in Google Maps