As mentioned in Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu valley was once a lake. Manjushree came from a pilgrimage from his earthly abode. In the center of the lake, he saw a lotus flower that emitted luminous radiance. Then he cut the gorge at Chovar with his flaming sword to let the lake drain. The place where the lotus flower was present became the great Swyambhunath Stupa.
