From Lake to Valley: The Legend of Mañjuśrī in the Swayambhu Purana and the Origin of Kathmandu Valley

Origin of Swayambhu Purana

The Swayambhu Purana is a Buddhist text of Nepal that narrates the prehistoric legends surrounding the Kathmandu Valley and the sacred Swayambhu Mahachaitya, formerly known as Swayambhu Dharmadhatu Chaitya. This text describes the transformation of the valley from a vast lake into a habitable land, primarily through the actions of the Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī.

According to legend, Sakyamuni Buddha, who was born in Kapilvastu in the 6th century BCE, first narrated the tales of Swayambhu Dharmadhatu to Maitreya Bodhisattva. The Buddha explained why the site was sacred to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The stories were later retold by Upagupta Bhiksu to Emperor Ashoka at Kukutarama Mahavihara, and subsequently by Jayashri Bhiksu to his disciple Jinashri Bhiksu at Bodhi Mandapa. These accounts form the foundation of the Swayambhu Purana.

The Lake of Kathmandu Valley

During the Satya Yuga (Golden Age), the present Kathmandu Valley was submerged as a vast and deep lake called Taodhanahrada, also known as Kalihrada due to its deep blue waters. This lake, abundant with springs and streams, was compared to the sacred Mansarovar. Its waters were believed to possess eight divine qualities: purity, fragrance, coolness, tastiness, lightness, smoothness, pleasantness, and wholesomeness.

The lake was home to the Nagarajas (Serpent Kings), with Karkotaka Nagoraja as its ruler. Thus, it was also called Nagarasahrada (Lake Kingdom of Nagas). Over time, various Tathagatas (Buddhas of past ages) visited the lake, including Vipaswi Tathagata, who foretold the emergence of Svayambhu Dharmadhatu, a self-arisen divine light upon a thousand-petaled lotus in the middle of the lake. This prophecy hinted at the eventual transformation of the valley.

The Arrival of Mañjuśrī

Mañjuśrī, a Bodhisattva residing in Maha Chin (present-day China) on Panchasirsa Parvata, became aware of the divine light of Svayambhu Dharmadhatu during meditation. Recognizing its significance, he set out for Nepal, accompanied by his two wives, Kesini and Upakesni, his sword Chandahasa, and his sacred book Prajna. Upon arriving, he first stayed on Srinada Parvata (modern-day Dhilacho), then moved to Phulchowk, where he left Kesini, renaming her Varada. He then traveled to Chandragiri, leaving Upakesni there, renaming her Moksada.

Mañjuśrī, recognizing the potential of the valley for human habitation, decided to drain the lake. He identified the lowest point in the surrounding mountains at Kacchapal Parvata (present-day Chobar) and, with a single stroke of Chandahasa, cleft the hill, allowing the lake’s waters to drain.

The Transformation of the Valley

As the waters receded, the fertile land of the valley emerged, making it suitable for settlement. The Svayambhu Dharmadhatu, once submerged, became accessible to pilgrims, marking the beginning of human civilization in the valley. However, Kacchapal Parvata, injured by the sword, was angered. To appease the mountain, Mañjuśrī promised to build a shrine dedicated to Karunamaya (Adhinath Lokeshwor) on top of the hill, ensuring it became a sacred site for worship.

Mañjuśrī continued his mission, clearing blockages to facilitate the flow of water, ultimately transforming the valley into a thriving habitat. This legendary act established Mañjuśrī as the divine founder of Kathmandu Valley, deeply intertwining Buddhist mythology with the region’s cultural and religious history.

Conclusion

The legend of Mañjuśrī, as narrated in the Swayambhu Purana, provides a mythological explanation for the geological formation of Kathmandu Valley while reinforcing the spiritual significance of Svayambhu Mahachaitya. It symbolizes the transformation from natural wilderness to sacred land, emphasizing wisdom, compassion, and the interconnectedness of nature and divine intervention in shaping human civilization. Today, Svayambhu Mahachaitya stands as a testament to this rich heritage, attracting pilgrims and scholars alike to explore the sacred history of the Kathmandu Valley.