Although Shiva is the most popular deity worshipped in Nepal, Vaishnavism and worship of Lord Vishnu is prevalent in Nepal. Vishnu is invoked in the aniconic form of Salagrama, a black stone of fossilized shell that is found in the Kali Gandaki River of western Nepal, at 16,000 feet in the Himalayas near Muktinatha. This is an important Vaishnava pilgrimage center in Nepal.
The oldest inscription found in Nepal regarding Vaishnavism describes King Manadeva of the Licchavi dynasty as a devout worshipper of Vishnu in the true spirit of the contemporary Bhagavata kings of the Gupta dynasty of India.
The Krishna temple at Patan in Nepal attracts thousands of devotees. It is a fine architectural monument of the medieval period.
Janakpur is a sacred complex dedicated to Rama and Sita. It is the important center of Rama worship in the country. The place is identified with Mithila, the capital of King Janaka. It was discovered and resettled about three hundred years ago by the Vaishnava saints of India, when the fled persecution of the Mughal emperors.
The annual festival of Vivah Panchami (November – December) celebrates the marriage of Rama with Sita. It is an important event in Janakpur and a large number of Sadhus undertake pilgrimage from Ayodhya to Janakpur during the period.
Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu is observed strictly by many people in Nepal.
Icons, painting, music and poetry in Nepal is influenced by Vaishnavism.