Mythological History of Nepal Valley
Swayambhu Chaitya of the Nepal Valley (present-day Kathmandu Valley) is a holy place for all Buddhists of Nepal. The historical Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha (शाक्यमुनी गौतम बुद्ध), was preceded by former Buddhas (Adi Buddhas) — Vipashwi (विपस्वी), Sikhi (सिखी), Vishwabhu (विश्वभू), Krakucchanda (क्रकुच्छन्द), Kanakamuni (कनकमुनी), and Kashyapa (कश्यप). According to the legend of Swayambhu, it is revealed that Vipashwi Buddha was the first Tathagata to visit the Nepal Valley. He planted a lotus root here, which brought forth the Light of Dharma (Jyotisvarupa, Form of Light). This occurred during the time of Satya Yuga, the first stage in the evolution of mankind. At that time, the Nepal Valley was a great lake, filled with pure water and inhabited by Nagarajas (Serpient Kings), divine water creatures.
Over time, all the Adi Buddhas visited the Light “enlightened” by Vipashwi Buddha. During the time of Vishwabhu Buddha, Manjushri drained all the water from the valley, making it suitable for settlement by devotees of the Light. Eventually, the Form of Light became covered and transformed into the form of the Chaitya by Shantikar Vajracharya. According to Buddhist teachings, a Chaitya is the dwelling place of all Enlightened Beings, including Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Tathagatas. For this reason, Swayambhu Dharmadhatu Chaitya holds profound significance for Buddhists.
The word Swayambhu is derived from the Sanskrit word स्वयम्भू, meaning “self-arisen,” “self-manifested,” or “self-born”. The Swayambhu Purana, also spelled as Svayambhu Purana or Swoyambhu Purana, in Sanskrit स्वयम्भू पुराण, is one of the oldest Buddhist Text – बौद्ध ग्रन्थ that recounts all the stories surrounding the origin of Swayambhu Chaitya and Nepal Valley (present-day Kathmandu Valley). Over the centuries, the text has been copied and rewritten, incorporating many fascinating events from the history of the valley. The Swayambhu Purana serves as a comprehensive textbook encompassing the mythology, anthropology, religion, and natural energy of the land.
Preface
The Swayambhu Purana – बौद्ध ग्रन्थ has been a source of inspiration and reverence for countless generations in Nepal. Its stories, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, serve as a guiding light for understanding the sacred origins of the Swayambhu Chaitya and Kathmandu Valley. Growing up in a Bajracharya family that cherished these narratives, I felt a deep responsibility to share their significance with a broader audience.
This publication is the culmination of years of study and reflection. It is not a direct translation but an elaborated summary designed for easy reading and comprehension. My goal is to make the wisdom and teachings of the Swayambhu Purana accessible to readers worldwide, regardless of their familiarity with its cultural context. I hope this work serves as both an educational resource and a source of inspiration for those exploring the buddhist traditions of Nepal.
Authors
Revised Digital Edition:
Sharad Bajracharya
First Digital Edition in English of Swayambhu Purana
Maitripur Mahavihar, Kwa Bahal,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Published: January 1, 2025
First English Edition:
Mana Bajra Bajracharya (1931–2001)
First English Translation of Swayambhu Purana
Kanak Chaitya Mahavihar, Jana Bahal,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Published: 1978 CE
Tribute To:
Shri Ramananda Shakya
Publisher of the third known Sanskrit version of Swayambhu Purana
Rudra Varna Mahavihar, Uku Bahal
Patan, Nepal
Published: 1813 CE
Shri Ramananda Shakya published the third known Sanskrit version of the Swayambhu Purana. He authored this significant version in the 18th century, which became a foundation for many subsequent copies, books and translations. However, his contributions were rarely acknowledged, and his name was often omitted from these later works.
Despite the importance of his efforts, there is little to no mention of Shri Ramananda Shakya on the internet or in historical records. This tribute seeks to recognize and honor his invaluable role in preserving the Swayambhu Purana.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Swayambhu Purana : Introduction
Chapter 2: Vipaswi Tathagata: Origin of Swayambhu
Chapter 3: Sikhi Tathagata: Worshipping Swayambhu
Chapter 4: Vishwabhu Tathagata: Manjushri and Birth of Nepal Valley
Chapter 5: Krakucchanda Tathagata: Origin of 12 Tirtha and 8 Vitaraga
Chapter 6: Kanakamuni Tathagata: Dharmadhatu Vagishwara
Chapter 7: Kashyapa Tathagata: Shantikar Acharya and Concealment of Swayambhu
Chapter 8: Blessings of Shakyamuni Buddha
Chapter 9: Glory of Shantikar Vajracharya