According to puran,kathamandu was once believed to be a lake.Manjushree saw a lotus flower in the centre of lake and cut a gorge at Chovar(a place in kathmandu) and let the water flow out , and the lake drained.th place where the lotus flower settled became Swoyambhunath stupa.The valley then became fertile habitable valley.Majushree was a disciple of Lord Buddha.Manjushree is depicted wielding a flaming sword in his right hand, representing his realisation of wisdom which cuts through ignorance and wrong views and the flower on the left hand represents enlightenment.The Buddhist goddess of knowledge and inner-vision is also worshipped equally as Saraswati is worshipped among the Hindus.