Guru Sakya Pandit is said to be one of the three manifestation of Manjushree — the other two being the great Nyingma Lama Long Chen Rabjampa and Gelugpa Lama Guru Tson Khapa.

Guru Sakya Pandit was an immensely learned lama versed in five branches of learning. In Tibet Guru Sakya Pandit was recognized as master debater at par with Indian Guru Dharmakirti. Guru Sakya Pandite vanquished all his opponents, both buddhists and non-buddhists in debate. On hearing the erudition of Sakya Pandit, Mongol Prince Godan invited him to his capital. Since then the abbots of Shakya monastery entered into a new era in the Tibetan political scenario. (1270-1340).

Guru Sakya Pandit propagated the system of Path and Fruit doctrine (skt. Margaphala siddhant). Being an emaation of Manjushree he is also generally depicted holding a sword and a book..