Swoyambhupuran

This book tells mythological stories about the origins of Swayambhu Jyotirupa, the arrival of seven Tathagatas in Nepal, how Manjushree played a role in making Nepal habitable, the meeting of Manjushree and Dharmashrimitra, and the creation of Swayambhu Mahachaitya. The Swayambhu Purana reveals ancient mythological Buddhist history in Nepal Mandal. It starts with Vipashwi Buddha’s arrival in Nepal during the Satya Yuga period, covers the life of historical Buddha Shakyamuni, and Emperor Ashoka’s arrival in the Kathmandu Valley. These details suggest that the content of Swayambhu Purana is very ancient. Although the historical accuracy of the Swayambhu Purana’s events is uncertain, the book provides insights into the geography of Nepal Mandal and the significance of its rivers. For instance, it mentions that the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, a detail that aligns with findings from current geologists.

It has been translated by Dr. Manik Ratna Shakya, Acharya Dayanidhi edited the Sanskrit language part, and Sumanta Raj Neupane, Nishen Shrestha and churamani Pokhrel edited the Nepali language part of the book. Swayambhupurana holds a special place in Buddhism of Nepal and is quite popular.