Budhanilkantha

On the outskirts of Kathmandu, the Budhanilkanta temple can be found tucked away close to the slopes of the Shivpuri Hills. A splendid statue of Lord Vishnu in a supine pose, lying on Adishesha, may be found in the center of the pool, which is covered with a cloth canopy.

One can step down a few stairs and then approach the statue of Vishnu to offer their respects.

Things to do at Budhanilkantha Temple:

• Learn about the christening of the temple:

Budhanilkantha means 'Old Blue Throat.' Budhanilkantha means 'Old Blue Throat.' The name Budhanilkantha is closely associated with Lord Shiva. The temple's name comes from the water in the pond, which is believed to have originated from Gosaikunda, a lake formed by Shiva's trident to extract water after he swallowed poison and needed to quench his thirst. 

• Educate yourself about the certain myths associated with the site:

Since King Pratap Malla (1641–1674) had a vision in which he was told that the Kings of Nepal would all perish if they visited the Budhanilkantha temple, no subsequent Nepali King has ever traveled to the temple. 

This is because the King is an incarnation of Vishnu himself, and Vishnu cannot meet himself without losing his life. 

• Observe the miraculous idol perched in the waterbody:

The most eye-catching feature of the site is an enormous statue of Lord Vishnu dozing off while resting on a bed made of Nagas, often known as snakes. The figure, which measures 5 meters in length and is carved from a single piece of basalt, was sourced from an unknown location. This statue of Vishnu is presented in the shape of Narayan, the originator of life. It is situated within the center of a pond, thirteen meters in length (representing the cosmic sea). Devotees have the opportunity to visit the temple and see what is considered a miracle and has been a vital component of Kathmandu's religious belief system. 

• Attend special days here:

It is the most giant stone statue in Nepal, and it draws in a vast number of tourists as well as devotees. This is especially true on the occasion of the Haribondhini Ekadashi Mela, which takes place yearly on the 11th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). It is the day that Vishnu emerges from his slumber as the creator of the universe. The Budhanilkantha temple sees an influx of thousands of visitors during the festival. 

• Hike to Shivapuri Hill:

You might combine your visit to the religious site with a day excursion to the nearby Shivapuri National Park. The hike begins at the Budhanilkantha temple and is particularly well-liked by the neighborhood's residents.