Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born and the fountain of peace, is located in Rupandehi district in mid-western Nepal. According to legend, Mayadevi, the mother of Shakya Kind Suddhodhan, gave birth to Siddhartha, who would later be known as Lord Buddha. On Baisakh Poornima [Full Moon day] in 623 BC, there was a pond named Pushkarini near the middle of the Sal forest. According to Buddhist literature, Siddhartha, upon his birth, took seven steps and delivered an epoch-making message to the suffering humanity right away. Buddhists from around the world visit Lumbini, which is a World Heritage site and a popular pilgrimage. The Lumbini Master plan, developed by Japanese professor Kenzo Tange, divides the area into three areas: Sacred Garden, each square mile divided between the Monastic zone and Lumbini village.
Sacred Garden
The Sacred Garden in the southern part of Lumbini has created an atmosphere of peace, spirituality, brotherhood, and nonviolence consistent with the time and Buddha's message to the world. There are many important monuments in the sacred zone like Mayadevi Temple, Market Stone, Ashoka Pillar, and Pushkarini Pond. Mayadvi temple is the most important monument in the Sacred Garden. The temple houses the idol of Mayadevi giving birth to Lord Buddha. The artifacts inside the temple date back from the 3rd to 7th century BC. Another important monument is the Sacred Garden. It was excavated in 1996.
The Ashoka Pillar erected in the western part of Myadevi proves that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini. The Pillar was arrested by Indian ruler Ashoka in 249 BC. It is believed that Emperor Ashoka, who killed many people as part of his territory expansion, gave up violence and adopted Buddhism after visiting Lumbini. It is regarded as the most authentic monument that proves Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini. The Pushkarini pond lies in the south of Ashok pillar, It is believed that Mayadevi bathed in the pond before giving birth to Lord Buddha and gave the new born Buddha the first purification bath in this holy pond.
Summary: Lumbini is situated in the southern plains of Nepal, close to the Indian border. It is renowned as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, who later became known as the Buddha. According to tradition, his mother, Maya, grasped a sal tree for support during the birth of her remarkable son. The site is distinguished by the Maya Devi Temple, which is accompanied by a small pond and a pillar erected by the illustrious Emperor Ashoka.
Buddha's birthplace history and listed world heritage site
Buddhists globally hold Lumbini, Nepal, in high regard as one of the four sacred sites associated with the life and teachings of the Buddha. It is at this location, on a full moon in May around 623 B.C.E., that he was born into a royal lineage beneath a sal (Shorea robusta) tree. Following his birth, his mother passed away just a week later, and he was subsequently nurtured by an aunt within the royal estate located in Tilaurakot, to the west of Lumbini.
The picturesque area of Lumbini and its surrounding landscape is situated in the southern, fertile plains of Nepal, commonly referred to as the Tarai. A temple has been constructed at the site of the birth, which is distinguished by a pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka during his visit in the mid-second century B.C.E. Lumbini, along with the temple, has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. The town has evolved into a significant pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors from across the globe, including both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. At the time of his birth, the area of Lumbini was a peaceful garden within the domain of his father, King Suddhodana. Their royal place was farther west in Tilaurakot in what is now the neighboring district of Kapilavastu.
Tourist attractions Temple and Monastery
Numerous elegant monasteries from diverse Buddhist nations have been constructed in a mall area surrounding and just north of the Maya Devi birth site temple. These monasteries exemplify the various expressions of contemporary Buddhism and feature compounds from countries such as Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Burma, Tibet, China, Japan, and others. A prominent highlight of the region is the impressive pearl-white peace pagoda erected by the Japanese, which stands over 40 meters tall and showcases inset statues that illustrate significant events in the life of Buddha.
There is also a museum at the northern end of the mall that is worth a visit containing historical and cultural artifacts and costumes. Around the museum and particularly near the eastern gate are restaurants and trinket sellers. Accommodations are available at guesthouses and hotels and many of the temples offer rooms, too, and residents often encourage visitors to take part in ceremonies and meditations. Interested travelers can also join a meditation course at Panditarama International Meditation Center and a Goenka Vipassana Center among other retreat venues.
Buddhist pilgrimage sites
Lumbini stands as one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, uniquely situated within Nepal. The remaining three sites are Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment; Sarnath, the location of his inaugural teaching; and Kushinagar, where he entered Mahaparinivana. These three sites are located near the south of the border in India, and travelers can access onward connections from both within Nepal and at the Sunauli border crossing.
There are various ways to reach Lumbini
Lumbini is located 22 kilometers to the west of Bhairawa, a large border town that features a domestic airport situated opposite Sunauli, India. Bhairawa hosts a significant bus terminal and is roughly 300 kilometers from Kathmandu and 200 kilometers from Pokhara, with frequent bus services available to both cities and numerous other locations within Nepal. The best way for reaching to Lumbini by airline is short, you can save time instead of the overland bus ride. We at Nepal Spirit Adventure are organizing a tour to Lumbini according to your interest and flight booking for both ways at reasonable prices. A journey to Lumbini offers both historical importance and spiritual satisfaction for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary. The tranquil site is of celebrated significance to Nepal and the Buddhist communities around the world.
