The Creation of the Kathmandu Valley by Manjushri
According to the Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu Valley was once a great lake called Nagavasahrada, inhabited by serpent beings (Nagas). On the lake floated a miraculous self-arisen flame (Swayambhu Jyotirupa) emanating from a thousand-petalled lotus. The Bodhisattva Manjushri, meditating on the Five-Peaked Mountain in China, became aware of the sacred light and travelled to the lake with his two wives, Kesini and Upakesini. Using his mighty sword Chandrahasa, Manjushri cut through the Chobhar Gorge, draining the lake and creating the fertile Kathmandu Valley. He persuaded Karkotaka, the King