Taudaha Lake

The myriad snakes which legend says lived in the depths of the lake filling the Kathmandu Valley, were washed away with the water. Manjushri asked Kartotak the snake king to remain in the Valley to watch over its fertility and prosperity, putting an underwater palace in Taudaha Lake at his disposal. Though the lake is hardly bigger than a pond it is of considerable depth. Here Kartotak lives undisturbed in his golden palace with diamond windows and jeweled columns. The snakes have shining jewels attached to their heads to illuminate their watery domain.