The Svayambhū Purāṇa is an important text on Nepalese Buddhism, magnifying the shrine of Svayambhū. Its content is believed to have been delivered as a sermon by Śākyamuni Buddha on the Mañjuśrī Hill.

The volume deliberates on ten key points such as the narrative of the self-generated birth of the Svayambhū; mention of the Vipaśvī, a primordial Buddha; the emergence of a radiant and bejewelled lotus from the dark waters of the lake, foreshadowing the eventual manifestation of the Buddha’s shrine (caitya) at its core; delineation of devotional practices and religious observances; civilization of Mañjuśrī; and so on.

The Svayambhū Purāṇa stands as a testament to the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the medieval Nepal Valley and unveils the sophisticated nature of Newar Buddhist Sanskrit literary output of the fifteenth century. It brings to life a vivid panorama of legends, contributing to the religious identity and historical narrative of the region. It holds an enduring influence on the religious beliefs and practices of the Newar Buddhist community. This volume, in a nutshell, is an enhancement in the accessibility of the text.