Nestled in the Himalayan foothills well north of Kathmandu’s city center is a wholly remarkable Hindu temple. The site pays homage to Vishnu (Narayan) whose likeness floats on the sea of bliss reclining upon the multi-headed snake Shesh. It’s believed the 16-foot (5-meter) long sculpture made from a single block of basalt, was created during the 6th-century CE by Vishnugupta, an early king of the Kathmandu Valley. Dedication to the worship of Vishnu at this temple varied over the centuries and was rediscovered periodically by devotees. Today, it’s an important…
