Jal Narayan Temple is located in capital city Kathmandu of Nepal. Also known as Budhanilkantha Temple or Jal Narayan Temple is an outdoor temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in sleeping position. This most unique temple is situated in the foothills of Shivapuri hills, 10km north of Kathmandu.
The name Budhanilkantha is a combination of ancient Newari language. ‘Budha’ means old and ‘Nilkantha’ means blue throat. It is a most important pilgrimage site both for Hindus and Buddhist. This symbolizes the religious harmony between both Hindus and Buddhist.
The Deity of Jal Narayan Temple
The Deity of Maha Vishnu is 5 meters long and seen on resting pose facing upwards, on the coils of the Sheshnaag, in the center of rectangular pool measuring 13 meters long. It is the longest stone sculpture in Nepal.
Unlike other temple, which enshrines the deity in garbha griha, this is only outdoor temple which houses the sleeping Maha Vishnu with its head protected by eleven hooded Sheshnaag. The Deity is carved out of Saligrama.
The most exemplary feature of Lord Vishnu can be observed in the statue. Legs of Maha Vishnu are crossed and have four hands holding Shankha, Chakra, Gada (mace), and Koustuba jewel. On one hand, Lord Vishnu is seen holding a lotus flower, while the second hand holds the mighty chakra called Sudarshana Chakra. The third hand holds the mace and fourth hand holds Shanka.
Sthala Purana of Jal Narayan Temple
The specialty of this temple is that, by the name “Neelkantha,” we may think that this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, since he drank the poison and struck it in his throat without swallowing to save the universe from destruction. But the temple is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. Also, Buddhists worship the Deity as Lord Buddha.
In ancient times, the king of Nepal decided to make a grand Vigraha of Lord Vishnu using Saligrama. During the making process of sculpture, stone was hit many times using a chisel. Before the Prathistapana of Vigraha, the devas and devatas appeared to the king and instructed him to create a pond around the Vigraha. And also cursed the King and his lineage not to worship the Vigraha. If they worship or offer prayers, they will face death.
From then on, the kings of Nepal refrained from visiting the temple and worshiping the Vigraha. Thus, the temple was closed for many years. Over the passage of time, the Vigraha was buried in the earth.
Years later, during the rule of the Malla Dynasty in the 7th century, an old farmer was tilling his land and accidentally hit the stone with his plough. This made the stone bleed profusely. To know what the earth was underneath, he dug the earth very deep and discovered a statue. Since it was found by an old man, the temple came to be known as Budhanilkantha Temple.
Festivals Celebrated in Jal Narayan Temple
Harishayani Ekadashi
Harishayani Ekadashi also known as Devshayani Ekadashi, falls on the eleventh day of Ashadha Maasa. On this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu enters into the state of rest. Lord Vishnu sleeps till four months, called Chaturmaasa.
Haribodhini Ekadashi
Haribodhini Ekadashi is the major festival celebrated in this temple. It is celebrated on the 11th day of Karthika Maasa. Special Ritual is conducted to wake Lord Vishnu from the 4 months long sleep or Yoga nidra. Huge mela or fair is conducted which attracts devotees from all over the globe to witness the grandeur of the temple.
Temple Timings of Jal Narayan Temple
The darshan timings of Jal Narayan Temple are as follows:
Daily: 4 AM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit Jal Narayan Temple
October to March is the best time to visit the temple, since the weather is cool and pleasing with clear skies at this time of year.
Nearby Places to Visit
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. Dedicated to Pashupathinath “Lord of Animals” is a beautiful, majestic temple which attracts tourist from all over the globe.
Guhyeshwari Temple
This is one of the 51 shakti peetha, place where knee of Sati Devi fell. Goddess is worshiped as Guhyeshwari.
Shesh Narayan Temple
Also known as Shikhar Narayan, located in Pharping town Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. It is one among the four Narayanas in Kathmandu. Hindu worship the Deity as Lord Vishnu whereas Buddhist revere it as Lord Buddha since it is connected with Padmasamva.
Dakshina Kali Temple
This temple is dedicated goddess Kali in her fierce form. The word “Dakshina” means South and “Kali” means goddess, combined together “Goddess of South”. This is most powerful temple situated in Kathmandu in Nepal. The goddess Dakshinkali guards the devotees and children from any harm and misfortune caused to them.
Changu Narayan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites located on hilltop of Bhaktapur district. It is the oldest temple in Nepal. This temple is also called as Champaka Narayana Temple, because it is surrounded by Champaka forest. It is built on Pagoda style of architecture.
How to Reach Jal Narayan Temple?
If you plan to visit the Jal Narayan Temple and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s world famed Muktinath Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.
If you wish to travel on your own, here are a few options.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tribhubhan International Airport. It is located 12km from this airport. Taxi, shuttle services are available to the destination.
By Railway: One can reach any nearest border place in Nepal by using Indian Railways. There is no railway system in Nepal. Either road or airways is preferred.
By Road: You can reach the temple by taxi or by bus. You can also travel by your vehicle.
0
Leave a Reply