One of the most popular myths in Kathmandu revolves around Manjushree, the bodhisattva of wisdom, who is said to have cut open the hill at Chobhar with his sword to drain the valley, thereby creating the settlement of Kathmandu. But is this myth based on truth, or is it just a captivating story passed down through generations? Let’s explore the legend and its archaeological significance.
“Does it truly seem possible that Manjushree came to Kathmandu and used his sword to cut the hill?”
According to the popular myth, Manjushree was once a prince from China. After reaching Kathmandu, he fell in love with the valley’s beauty and decided to perform a miraculous act. It is said that he unsheathed his sword and cut through the hill at Chobhar, allowing the water from the surrounding lakes to flow out and create the Kathmandu Valley as we know it. This widely accepted myth has become a cornerstone of Newar culture, passed down through centuries. However, what does archaeology say about this legend?
“Archaeological Facts and the Legend of Chobhar”
The place where Manjushree is believed to have performed this feat, Chobhar, is made up of Chun stones. These stones are significant because they are said to have been used in the miraculous act of cutting through the hill. The myth suggests that Manjushree, using his wisdom and knowledge, carved a path through the hill to release the water trapped in the valley, which eventually made Kathmandu a habitable settlement.
“The Creation of Kathmandu: A New Understanding”
According to the myth, after Manjushree’s act of cutting through the hill, the Kathmandu Valley was freed of its stagnant waters. The water that drained out was considered the key to making the land fertile and habitable. Furthermore, the Nāgas (serpents), which were believed to inhabit the waters, migrated and moved to other locations after this event. The myth implies that this migration of Nāgas was also symbolic of the release of negative forces from the valley, which allowed for the establishment of the first settlements.
“The Eternal Light and the Lotus: A Symbol of Enlightenment”
After Manjushree’s sword split the hill, it is said that something miraculous occurred: inside the lake, there was an eternal light. This light is said to have appeared in the shape of a lotus flower with 1,000 petals, always radiating light. This light symbolized wisdom and eternal truth. Upon discovering this sacred light, Manjushree is said to have enshrined it at Swoyambhu, also known as the Monkey Temple.
“Swoyambhu and the Eternal Light in Newar Culture”
The Swoyambhu Purana, which is an ancient text associated with the Swoyambhu Stupa, mentions the presence of the eternal light. It is said that the discovery of this light marked a significant event in the history of the valley. Over time, this light, in the form of a lotus with serpents, became an important symbol. Even today, this symbolism persists in Newar culture.
“Dalu: The Newar Symbol of Eternal Light”
In Newar culture, there is an interesting tradition related to the Dalu. The Dalu is a small lamp that holds oil (representing water) and burns a continuous flame (representing eternal light). The Dalu, which is often placed in homes, is a direct reference to the eternal light that appeared after Manjushree’s miraculous act. It’s a reminder of wisdom and enlightenment, and the connection to the lotus and serpents from the legend.
Even now, many Newar households continue to keep the Dalu in their homes as a symbol of this sacred history. The Dalu, with its light burning perpetually, is a reminder of the divine act that shaped the Kathmandu Valley and the spiritual wisdom that it represents.
“The Serpents and the Lotus: Spiritual Symbols of Wisdom”
The serpents represented by two nagas (serpents) above the Dalu symbolize the mythical creatures that inhabited the water before the valley was drained. These serpents are closely associated with the Nāga in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, representing water, fertility, and protection. The lotus, with its 1,000 petals, symbolizes purity, wisdom, and enlightenment, making it a fitting representation of the light that shone forth after the hill was cut by Manjushree.
This symbolism continues to be revered in Newar communities, who maintain the tradition of placing Dalu in their homes as a reminder of the spiritual significance of the Kathmandu Valley and its divine origins.
Conclusion
The legend of Manjushree and his sword, which is deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious fabric of Kathmandu, is more than just a myth—it is a symbol of wisdom, enlightenment, and the triumph of good over evil. While the story of Manjushree cutting the hill at Chobhar may not be entirely factual in a historical sense, it holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. The eternal light, the lotus, and the serpents all continue to serve as enduring symbols in Newar culture, reminding us of the deep spiritual connections that shape the identity of Kathmandu.
