Mesmerizing my trip to Changunarayan

Being a media student in Kathmandu University means having to deal with a lots of assignments and project works.Therefore,field trips are not an exceptional.Every Wednesday,media students of second semester are assigned to visit a particular place for the propose of reporting.As a result,last Wednesday,we had an opportunity to observe one of the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu; Changunarayan.

A mandap style hindu temple,which came into existence in fourth century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as "Narayan".The temple is adore by some of the best specimen of stone,wood and metal craft in the valley.The temple stands as the epitome of culture,religion,history and the faith of the Kathmandu valley.Changunarayan was named as 'Dolashikhar Swami" during Lichhavi period.However,it was later renamed as "Changunarayan"in Malla period.Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

According to one of the priests who was guiding us, in the past the land where Changunarayan temple stands were full of Chaanp trees. Many cowboys and Brahmins resided in that Chaanp forest. The cowboys reared cattle owned by the Brahmins. Everyday those cowboys visited Brahmins with the milk but suddenly the stopped bringing milk to Brahmins and so the Brahmin tried to inspect on the situation so he went to the place where now Changunarayan temple stands. I is said that there was a Chaanp tree on the spot and suddenly that Brahmin saw a black man appear and suck up all the milk from the cow. Brahmin furiously cut off the black man’s head which caused it to appear with four limbs in the form of Changunarayan. Brahmin got scared and was ready to commit himself for his mistake. And then God Vishnu convinced that it wasn’t his mistake. He then explained to him that many years ago fight took place between god and devils. There was a Brahmin named Sumati who fought from the devil’s side, was killed. For this, Vishnu was wised. His curse was relieved only when a generation from Sumati cuts off his head. And so, he attempted this. He then settled there as Changunarayan who was only worshipped by a Brahmin.
At present, it is believed that only a generation from that Brahmin family can worship and this is still in practice.

The festivals in Changunarayan:
Baisakh Krishna Amavashya (Jatra held for 8 days)
· Krishna Asthami Rath Yatra
· During Fagu Purnima, Vanshagopal Jatra is held with Vanshgopal (the chariot)
Thus,penetrating through the most beautifully preserved cultural heritage,I came to conclusion that Changunarayan has all those qualities which enable us to proudly declare ourselves as culturally engulfed Nepalese.