Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu, Nepal

Budhanilkantha Temple is located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple stands out for its unique depiction of Lord Vishnu, who is seen lying on his back atop the divine serpent Sheshnag, in the middle of a sacred pond.

According to legend, when Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the universe during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), his throat began to burn intensely. Lord Shiva journeyed to the Himalayas to soothe the unbearable burning, where he struck a mountain with his trident, creating a lake known as Gosainkunda in Nepal. He quenched his thirst with the sweet water from this lake, and as a result of drinking the poison, his throat turned blue, earning him the name "Neelkanth."

It is believed, that the water in the pond at Budhanilkantha originates from the sacred Gosainkunda. This connection is why the name "Neelkanth," associated with Lord Shiva, is also attached to this Vishnu temple. The temple symbolizes the mythological and spiritual bond between Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Budhanilkantha is a place of worship not only for Hindus but also holds significant importance for followers of Buddhism. To Buddhist devotees, the statue of Vishnu in this temple is seen as a manifestation of Lord Buddha, leading them to also refer to this sacred site as “Buddha Nilkantha”

This temple beautifully represents the unique confluence of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, where the presence of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Buddha can all be felt, making it a symbol of spiritual unity and harmony.

By Air: Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the nearest airport, approximately 10 kilometers away from Budhanilkantha. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.

By Road: Budhanilkantha is about 10 kilometers north of the main city of Kathmandu. You can easily hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the temple. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.