Shrine · Hindu
Budhanilkantha Temple
बूढानीलकण्ठ
Lord Vishnu (Jalashayana Narayan)·7th-8th century CE (Licchavi period)·Kathmandu
Home to the largest stone carving in Nepal — a magnificent 5-meter reclining Vishnu sculpture from the 7th century, lying in a recessed water tank.
Dedicated to
Lord Vishnu (Jalashayana Narayan)
Period
7th-8th century CE (Licchavi period)
Hours
5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha Temple houses the largest and most beautiful stone carving in Nepal — a 5-meter (16-foot) reclining statue of Lord Vishnu (Jalashayana Narayan) lying in a recessed water tank at the base of the Shivapuri Hills.
The black basalt statue dates to the Licchavi period (7th-8th century CE) and depicts Vishnu in Anantasayana — reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta (Shesha Naga) floating on the cosmic ocean. The sculpture is remarkable for its proportions, serene expression, and the delicate carving of ornaments and the 11-hooded serpent canopy.
A fascinating prohibition exists: the reigning King of Nepal (and now the President) is not allowed to visit this temple, based on an ancient legend that doing so would bring death. This taboo has been observed for centuries.
The temple draws thousands of Hindu devotees, especially on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of each lunar fortnight and during Harishayani and Haribodhini Ekadashi festivals.
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 9°C to 26°C. Haribondhini Ekadashi (Nov) marks the day Vishnu awakens — major festival. Clear skies, comfortable temperature. monsoon: possible, 20°C to 29°C. The water level around the statue rises with monsoon rains, giving a different perspective. Fewer visitors. spring: good, 11°C to 29°C. Warm weather for visiting the reclining Vishnu statue. The water pool reflects beautifully in spring light. winter: good, 2°C to 19°C. Cool mornings add mystique to the sleeping Vishnu. Located near Shivapuri forest — combine with a short hike.
The Almanac
The water level around the statue rises with monsoon rains, giving a different perspective. Fewer visitors.
Coda
Continue the Pilgrimage
Planning this visit? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
Elsewhere in this region
Help us get it right
Know Budhanilkantha Temple better than we do?
We write from research and reporting, and the ground changes faster than we can keep up. If something here is out of date, or you have been and would tell it differently, we would rather hear it.