Devotees Throng Narayan Temples on Harishayani Ekadashi

Devotees have thronged Narayan temples across the country, including the four Narayan temples in the Kathmandu Valley, on the occasion of Harishayani Ekadashi, which falls on Ashar 29, 2083.

The four Narayan temples, namely Changunarayan, Sheshnarayan, Ichangunarayan, and Bishankunarayan, have seen a large number of devotees since early morning. According to legend, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep in the ocean of milk from this day, and devotees believe that visiting the four Narayan temples on this day and on Haribodhini Ekadashi will fulfill their wishes.

Those who cannot visit the four Narayan temples can also visit the Budhanilkantha Narayan Temple, located in the northern part of the valley, where a large stone statue of Lord Vishnu is installed. The temple also houses a statue of Lord Shiva, and devotees believe that visiting this temple will also grant their wishes.

Another temple that has seen a large number of devotees is the Chaturvyuh Narayan Temple, located in Narayanhiti, Darbar Marg. The temple houses four statues of Lord Narayan, and devotees believe that visiting this temple is equivalent to visiting all four Narayan temples.

Devotees have been queuing up at the temples since early morning, with some temples opening their doors as early as 3 am. The Budhanilkantha Narayan Temple, for example, opened its doors at 3 am to accommodate the large number of devotees.

The Chaturvyuh Narayan Temple also saw a large number of devotees, with the queue starting from as early as 3 am. The temple’s mahant, Nigamananda Swami, said that the temple had opened its doors early to accommodate the devotees.

Devotees also visited other Narayan temples in the valley, including the Narayan Temple in Gokarneshwar, the Narayan Temple in Pasupatinath, and the Satya Narayan Temple in Handigaun.

The four-month period starting from Harishayani Ekadashi is considered sacred, and many devotees observe a fast during this period. The period is also known as Chaturmas, and many temples organize special discourses and prayers during this time.