Budhanilkantha Temple: A Visitor's Guide to the Sleeping Vishnu

Budhanilkantha Temple is our neighbourhood's heart and the reason it carries its name. A huge stone figure of Lord Vishnu lies on a bed of coiled serpents in a sacred pond, and devotees come from all over Nepal to worship here.

What you'll see

The statue is carved from a single block of stone and reclines peacefully in the water, its eleven serpent heads rising behind. Priests step down to the statue to make offerings; visitors watch from around the pond.

The legend of the kings

By tradition, the kings of Nepal never visited Budhanilkantha, following a prophecy that a king who looked upon the image would die.

When to go

• Early morning, when local people come for daily worship.
• Haribodhini Ekadashi, usually in October or November, when Vishnu is believed to wake from his sleep and large crowds of pilgrims gather.

Visiting respectfully

• Dress modestly and remove your shoes where others do.
• Walk clockwise and don't touch offerings.
• Ask before photographing people at worship.

Stay next door

The temple is a short walk from Sacred Trails, so you can visit at dawn before the crowds and be back for breakfast. Ask us about festival days during your stay.