Manjushree is a bodhisattva in Mahāyāna Buddhism symbolizing wisdom. He is often depicted as a youthful figure holding a flaming sword (cutting ignorance) and a lotus with a scripture (symbolizing knowledge). In Nepalese legend, he is credited with creating the Kathmandu Valley by draining a lake, making the land habitable. Manjushree is highly revered in Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Nepali Buddhist traditions. His mantra “Oṃ A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhīḥ” is chanted to enhance wisdom and understanding.
