This is one of Kathmandu’s tranquil lakes, genuinely believed to be a relic of the enormous lake that originally existed where Kathmandu now resides. This lake’s name is a combination of two Newari words: “Ta”, which means, and “Daha”, which means lake. The full shape of this lake is invisible from all angles. Always concealing one of the eight corners from ground view. Taudaha Lake’s most well-known fact is that its shape is nearly identical to that of Kathmandu. This lake is thought to be directly related to Rato Machhindranath’s procession.
Taudaha is an important location for biological research due to the presence of more than 30 plant and insect species, as well as 100 bird species. Many migrant birds use this area as a rest stop during the summer and winter. Also, there are many species of fish in the lake; this place is also well known as “the lake of large carps.” You can see white swans swimming in the lake and walking along the stone path beside you sometimes can spot small snakes in the water and on the stone paths. This place is also considered the perfect location for birdwatching. Fish are seen gathering around humans because people enjoy feeding the fish and chilling out there. While roaming around the lake and watching fish, there are small vendors who sell fish food, chocolates, and some packet foods.
History of the place
Legend has it that Manjushree excavated a hole and let water out of the valley, making homeless numerous snakes and Nagas (who were half human and half serpent), which aroused Karkotak Nagraj’s anger, but Manjushree kept peace by inviting him to Taudaha. When Nagraj’s wife was suffering from eye pain and a Jyapu from Lalitpur visited him and cured her, he was rewarded with a bejeweled Bhoto. However, someone stole the Bhoto and fled while the Jyapu was working in the field. After a while, a big battle broke out between the Jyapu and the thief, and Rato Machhindranath witnessed their battle and kept the Bhoto in his possession, telling them to return only after they had proof to claim the Bhoto. After Every year since then, it has become a tradition to show the Bhoto three times to the public from the chariot and ask who it belongs to. Known as “Bhoto Jatra,” this tradition has been witnessed since the time of Lichchavi King Narendra Dev.
Naag Panchami, a day honoring serpent deities, falls on the fifth day of Shrawan month, according to the lunar calendar. Devotees from various places in the valley come here to pay respects to the Karkotak Naag, one of eight serpent deities, as Taudaha is thought to be the home of the cancer snake (Karkotak Naag).
