Manjushree is a bodhisattva associated with prajna in Mahayana Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is also a yidam. His name means "Gentle Glory" in Sanskrit.
As mentioned in Swayambhu Purana, the Kathmandu valley was once a lake. Manjushree came from a pilgrimage from his earthly abode. In the center of the lake, he saw a lotus flower that emitted luminous radiance. Then he cut the gorge at Chovar with his flaming sword to let the lake drain. The place where the lotus flower was present became the great Swyambhunath Stupa.
At the center of this painting, Manjushree is sitting in a meditative position, with a lotus flower in the hand. The different form of Buddha is seen at the top of the painting. Here Manjushree resembles the great Swyambhunath and Buddha resembles the statue of Buddha that can be seen in Swyambhunath temple. There are others forms of gods surrounding Manjushree.
