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Legend has it that the Kathmandu Valley was once filled by a massive lake.
In its midst sat an island where a giant blue lotus flower containing the flame of Buddha grew. When Manjushri, a manifestation of Buddha, crested the hills surrounding the lake, the beauty of the place captivated him. To gain access to the island and its sacred flower, Manjushri created a passage through the southern hills to drain the waters of the lake. Upon reaching the spot where the blue lotus sat, Manjushri cut off his hair, with each strand becoming a tree and each louse a monkey. Today, that site is graced by one of the most important Buddhist temples, Swayambunath, known colloquially as the Monkey Temple.