Sculpture by Garuda

Kathmandu is truly an open-air museum: all the most valuable, holy and most ancient architectural monuments of the city are collected here. Among the many historical monuments of Kathmandu, a statue of Garuda – a winged man-bird, which is a Vishnu Wakhana (carries him on horseback). Garuda sculptures are traditionally placed in front of temples dedicated to Vishnu.

The statue is installed in front of the temple complex Vishnu – Changu Narayan, which was built during the reign of the Lichchavi dynasty, but after the fire of 1702 was rebuilt again. Garuda with wings sits in front of the temple on his knees. His face bears a portrait resemblance to the then king. Sculpture of Vishnu sitting on the Garuda is depicted on Nepal's 10 rupee bill.