Mrigasthali

Krakucchanda Buddha descended into the valley with his disciples and headed toward the Guhyeshwari area. While observing the beautiful and peaceful forest planted by Manjushri, he saw there a strange and extraordinary sight.

In that forest the three gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar themselves had taken the form of beautiful deer and were roaming freely.

Pointing to that divine herd of deer, Krakucchanda Buddha preached to his disciples: "These three gods have come here taking the form of deer for the welfare and sport of the world. Having bowed their heads to the command of the Bodhisattva Padmapani, they roam happily in this forest. Therefore this sacred land will become famous by the name Mrigasthali. In the future, in the Kali Yuga, this very place will be worshipped throughout the world as Pashupatinath."

Thereafter Krakucchanda Buddha gave his disciples knowledge of the four varnas and of the ways of life. Some of his disciples renounced worldly bonds, became monks and lived in a vihara, while some adopted the householder's dharma and began to dwell in the city of Manjupattan.