History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Budhanilkantha Temple, near Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal brims with the treasures of heritage, nature, and culture. Its association with Hinduism since the ancient times make it an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus across the globe as majority of the temples in the country are dedicated to Hindu gods and Goddesses. The Budha Neelkantha Temple, located in Budhanilkantha in Nepal, is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, the God who nourishes the world. It is popular for a large reclining statue of Lord Mahavishnu, which is considered the largest stone carving in Nepal. The temple is known by the name the Narayanthan Temple, is situated in Kathmandu. ‘Budhanilkantha’ stands for “Old Blue Throat”, which symbolizes Lord Vishnu.
Unique and huge reclining Statue of the Budha Neelkanth
The statue is made of black basalt and stands 5 meters tall. It is positioned in the centre of a settled pool of water, which is 13 meters long. Lord Vishnu’s legs are seen crossed and the eleven heads of His Vahana, Adi Shesha is seen to cradle His head. The four hands of the presiding deity hold objects symbolic of his divine qualities such as the chakra or disc that represents his mind, a conch-shell to represent the four elements, a lotus flower as the moving universe and finally the club which is thought as the primeval knowledge. He is well ornamented with a crown engraved with multiple Kirtimukha images which can often be seen being overlapped by a silver crown.
According to popular legends that circulate around the origin of the statue among the natives, it is believed that a farmer and his wife once collided with a strange figure in their land while ploughing. This initiated it to start soaking blood into the field. It was then realised that it had life and was considered to be the greatest manifestation of Vishnu on earth 1400 years earlier. Hence a temple was built to house the sleeping deity. This floating statue continues to captivate the pilgrims.
Architecture of Budhanilkantha Temple
The temple does not have a typical Hindu style of architecture in its complex – with no shikharas or gopurams of the temple’s sanctorum, except a few ancient looking heritage buildings with elements of Nepalese architectural designs. However, in the centre of the temple complex, a rectangular pool enclosed by railings on all sides grabs the attention of the visitors. The centre of the pool which is covered with cloth canopy, in which lies a magnificent statue of Lord Vishnu in a supine form, lying on Adishesha.
Festivals celebrated here at Budhanilkantha Temple
The famous Haribondhini Ekadashi Mela takes place on the eleventh day of the Hindu month of Kartika, falls between October and November. The temple is decorated in its most beautiful aspect ever and hosts a number of religious ceremonies, events and a cultural extravaganza.
Interesting facts about Budhanilkantha Temple
A popular legend states that King Pratap Malla had a farsighted vision, which made him believe that the kings of Nepal would die if they visited the temple. Nepali monarchs after King Pratap Malla have never visited the Temple in fear of this prophecy.
The Budhanilkantha literally means, “Old Blue Throat”, the “Blue Throat”, refers to Lord Shiva, however, the idol is of Lord Vishnu.
The name Budhanilkantha gives the impression of the temple being dedicated to Buddha, however, the Budhanilkantha in Nepal is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. However, the features of Lord Vishnu in the Buddha Neelakanta temple also resemble those of the Buddha.
Though a sacred site for Hindus, it is equally well respected and visited by Buddhists, exemplifying the great of religious harmony in Nepal. Budhanilkatha’s name has been a source of endless confusion as typically neel kanth is regarded to be Lord Shiva. But it has been associated with Lord Vishnu in Nepal. It also has resemblance with Buddha, and Buddhist Newars, a particular sect of Nepalese Buddhists also worship the image.
