Budhanilkantha Temple
बूढानीलकण्ठ
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
Entry Fee
Free
Neighborhood
Budhanilkantha
Location
Kathmandu, Bagmati
Visiting Etiquette
Non-Hindus can view the statue from outside the water tank but cannot touch or enter the tank area. Remove shoes.
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.