 |
| The Birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha |
The World Heritage Site
After I am no more, O Ananda!
Men of belief will visit the place with faith,
Curiosity and devotion.........
Lumbini, the place where I was born.
The path to ultimate peace is spiritual discipline.
- Buddha
About Lumbini:
Lumbini, the holy birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha is situated on the foothills of the Siwalik range of Rupandehi District of Nepal. It is one of the Holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists world over. The Buddha was born in Lumbini garden while his mother , Mayadevi was on the way to her Material hometown Devdaha ( ancient koliya kingdom) during Vaisakha purnima ( full moon day of the first month of Nepali calendar of 623 BC.
Legends say that Mayadevi bathed in the Puskarani (pond). She went 25 steps North where she suddenly felt labor pain and grasped a branch of a tree for support and gave birth to the infant prince.
Major Attraction of Lumbini:
- The Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of the Buddha
- The Marker Stone
- The Nativity Sculpture
- The Asoka Pillar
- The Puskarini, The Holy Pond
- Tilaurakot
- Kudan
- Gotihawa
- Sugarahawa
- Niglihawa
- Araurakot
- Sishaniya
- Devadaha
- Ramagrama
Monuments of Lumbini:
The Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of the Buddha
The complex bears the testimony of several layers of construction built over the centuries. The restored Maya Devi Temple was reopened in 2003. The ground floor consists of the remain of the foundations of the early Maya Devi Temple that dates back to 6/7th century BC. The temple houses Marker Stone which marks the birth spot of the Buddha.
The Marker Stone:
This stone conglomerate located deeply buried in the sanctum sanctorum pinpoints the extra birth spot of the Buddha, which was rediscovered after a meticulous excavation of the old Maya Devi Temple in 1996. It was found in the same distance and direction as mentioned by Hiuen Tasang, the Chinese traveler in his travel account. The size of the Marker Stone is 70cmx40cmx10cm.
The Nativity Sculpture:
The image of Maya Devi, also known as the Nativity Sculpture dates back to 4th century AD. It depicts the nativity scene, Maya Devi, holding a branch of a tree with her right hand for support in the time of her delivery. Next to her, her younger sister Gautami Prajapati is standing in a supportive poster. The newly born prince Siddhartha is standing upright on a lotus pedestal, with two celestial figures receiving him.
The Asokan Pillar:
The historical pillar, erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC bears the first epigraphic evidence with reference to the birthplace of the Buddha. It is the most noteworthy monuments and an authentic historic document of birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. The inscription on the pillar is engraved in Brahmi script and Pali language. It is translated as follows:
King Piyadasi (Asoka), the beloved of the Gods, in the twentieth year of reign, himself made a royal visit. Sakyamuni Buddha was born here, therefore, the (birth Spot) marker stone was worshipped and a ston pillar was erected. The Lord having been born here, the tax of the Lumbini village was reduced to the eighth part (only)
The Puskarini, The Holy Pond:
Close by the Asoka pillar on the southern side lies the holy pond, Puskarini where Maya Devi bathed just before giving birth to prince Siddhartha and the infant prince is believed to have given first purification bath. The pond has terraced steps and is riveted by beautifully layered bricks.
Master Plan of Lumbini:
The Lumbini master plan covers an area of 1x3 sq.miles, comprising of three zones of a squre miles each.
The Marker Stone:
This stone conglomerate located deeply buried in the sanctum sanctorum pinpoints the extra birth spot of the Buddha, which was rediscovered after a meticulous excavation of the old Maya Devi Temple in 1996. It was found in the same distance and direction as mentioned by Hiuen Tasang, the Chinese traveler in his travel account. The size of the Marker Stone is 70cmx40cmx10cm.
The Nativity Sculpture:
The image of Maya Devi, also known as the Nativity Sculpture dates back to 4th century AD. It depicts the nativity scene, Maya Devi, holding a branch of a tree with her right hand for support in the time of her delivery. Next to her, her younger sister Gautami Prajapati is standing in a supportive poster. The newly born prince Siddhartha is standing upright on a lotus pedestal, with two celestial figures receiving him.
The Asokan Pillar:
The historical pillar, erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC bears the first epigraphic evidence with reference to the birthplace of the Buddha. It is the most noteworthy monuments and an authentic historic document of birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha. The inscription on the pillar is engraved in Brahmi script and Pali language. It is translated as follows:
King Piyadasi (Asoka), the beloved of the Gods, in the twentieth year of reign, himself made a royal visit. Sakyamuni Buddha was born here, therefore, the (birth Spot) marker stone was worshipped and a ston pillar was erected. The Lord having been born here, the tax of the Lumbini village was reduced to the eighth part (only)
The Puskarini, The Holy Pond:
Close by the Asoka pillar on the southern side lies the holy pond, Puskarini where Maya Devi bathed just before giving birth to prince Siddhartha and the infant prince is believed to have given first purification bath. The pond has terraced steps and is riveted by beautifully layered bricks.
Master Plan of Lumbini:
The Lumbini master plan covers an area of 1x3 sq.miles, comprising of three zones of a squre miles each.
- Sacred Garden
- Monastic Zone
- New Lumbini Village
The focus of Tange's design is the Sacred Garden located in the southern section. The Sacred Garden shelters the ancient monuments including Mayadevi Temple, the Asoka Pillar, the Sacred Pond, ancient archaeological remains etc which date back to 7th BC to 8th Century AD.
The Monastic Zone is situated in the middle of the design with forest area. The zone is divided into two enclaves by the Central Canal. There are 13 plots of land in the East Monastic Zone and 29 in the West Monastic Enclave, having 42 plots in total each allotted for the construction of new monasteries of Theravada and Mahayana School of Buddhism.
The Culture Center lies between the Monastic Zone and the New Lumbini Village. An information center, a research center, a library, an auditorium an a museum provide information to the visitors and research and study facilities to the students and researchers.
The northern part of the master part of the master plan area is being developed as the new Lumbini Village. It is also a gateway to the outer world, where visitors can find comfortable hotels and restaurants offering necessary facilities. The World peace Pagoda of Japan and the Crane Sanctuary are also located here.
KAPILVASTU SITES::
Tilaurakot:
Ancientcapital of Sakya kingdom (Kapilvastu) is located about 27 km west of Lumbini. It houses the vestiges of ancients Sakya palace where Siddhartha lived his early 29 years as a prince. The ramparts of a moat and a fortification wall with its western and eastern gates surround the remains of the citadel including ancient structural remains. The eastern gate of the palace reminds us about Siddhartha's renunciation for the search of supreme knowledge. The gate is known as Mahabhiniskramana Dwara, or Mangala Dwara ( auspicious gate) through which Siddhartha left the palace at a midnight.
Kudan:
Ancient Nyagrodharama, where king Suddhodana met the Buddha, for the first time after his renunciation lies about 3 km south of Taulihawa. This is the site where Prajapati Gautami, his second mother offered him a robe and Yasodhara, his wife invited him fro a meal in the palace. Rahula, his son was ordained bt Sariputra at Kudan. The Buddha preached five important sutras and told the sotry of his search for supreme knowledge here during his stay with 300 his disciples at Kudan.
Gotihawa:
About 5 km southwest of Taulihawa is Gotihawa. It is the site for Asoka Pillar where Krakuchhanda Buddha attained nirvana. Gotihawa is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. This holy site, Sanctified by the birth of the early Buddha has been marked by the construction of a stupa. An Asoka pillar erected here by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. ascertains it as the birth spot of the Buddha. However, the upper part of the pillar is missing.
Sagarhawa:
About 12 km north of Taulihawa lies the forest of Sagarhawa, with a long lake known as Lumbusagar. In this site, the Sakyas were massacred by King Virudhaka out of vengeance. Later, in the memory of the noble Sakyas, hundreds of stupas were built here by their descendants. Dr. A. Fuhrer excavated and explored these stupas in 1897 - 1898.
Niglihawa:
Niglihawa lies about 8 km northeast of Taulihawa. It is the birthplace of Kanakamuni, the early Buddha of Bhadrakalpa. The site shelters an Asoka pillar erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. The Pillar is broken into two pieces, the lower part bearing inscription is submerged in the ground and the upper part is lying on the surface. The Asoka inscription engraved in Brahmi script and pali language testfies the site as the birth spot of the Buddha. It is said that the shower of gold rained in Jambudwipa on the day he was born of father, Yajyadutta, and mother Uttara here.
Araurakot:
About 1 km east of Niglihawa lies a rectangular fortified area popularly known as Araurakot, which is believed to be the natal town of Kanakamuni Buddha. The rectangular fortification wall is magnificent even in its ruins. The fortification area houses the remains of ancient big construction underground.
Sisahaniya:
Sisahaniya is a large archaeological site lying about 12 km south of Taulihawa. This site is believed to be the place of a stupa and Sangharama built by the noble Sakyas. Today, we can see remains of ancient pottery, burnt marked coins lying scattered on the surface.
DEVADAHA AND RAMAGRAMA:
Devadaha:
Devadaha is famous ancient capital of Koliya kingdom, the maternal hometown of queen Maya Devi, Prajapati and princess Yasodhara. The site is situated at about 57 km northeast of Lumbini and is well connected by the Mahendra Highway. We can observe many archaeological and historical sites extended in a large area in Devadaha region. The potential ancient sites include Kumarvarti, Khayardada, Bairimai- Kanyamai, Bhagawanipur/Devidamar, Kotahimal, the Rohini River etc. More facts on ancient Koliyan civilization will be revealed after full-fedged excavation in future.
Ramagrama:
The Koliyas obtained one of the eight parts of the Buddha's relic which they enshrined and built a magnificent stupa at Ramagrama. Buddhist literary sources mention that Emperor Asoka wanted to obtain the Buddha's relic to build eighty four thousand minor stupas throughout his vast empire. However, the emperor didnot touch the precious relic out of the request made by Dragon king and people of Ramagrama. This surviving single original relic stupa standing 7 meters high on the bank of the Jharahi River is the most important stupa of its kind in the whole of the world.
Natural Bio Diversity:
Lumbini, being the birthplace of the Buddha is a timeless place to spread peace, harmony and solace in the world. It does not promote only contemplative value and spirituality but also attracts many naturalists, botanists and zoologists with its richness. One can find wide verities of shrubs, herbs, flowers and plants here. There are more than 250 birds species including the world's tallest flying bird Sarus Crane and threatened animals like Python, Blue Bull (boselaphus tragocamelus), Bengal fox, wild cat ets in Lumbini.
Meditation Center in Lumbini:
Monasteries in Lumbini:
KAPILVASTU SITES::
Tilaurakot:
Ancientcapital of Sakya kingdom (Kapilvastu) is located about 27 km west of Lumbini. It houses the vestiges of ancients Sakya palace where Siddhartha lived his early 29 years as a prince. The ramparts of a moat and a fortification wall with its western and eastern gates surround the remains of the citadel including ancient structural remains. The eastern gate of the palace reminds us about Siddhartha's renunciation for the search of supreme knowledge. The gate is known as Mahabhiniskramana Dwara, or Mangala Dwara ( auspicious gate) through which Siddhartha left the palace at a midnight.
Kudan:
Ancient Nyagrodharama, where king Suddhodana met the Buddha, for the first time after his renunciation lies about 3 km south of Taulihawa. This is the site where Prajapati Gautami, his second mother offered him a robe and Yasodhara, his wife invited him fro a meal in the palace. Rahula, his son was ordained bt Sariputra at Kudan. The Buddha preached five important sutras and told the sotry of his search for supreme knowledge here during his stay with 300 his disciples at Kudan.
Gotihawa:
About 5 km southwest of Taulihawa is Gotihawa. It is the site for Asoka Pillar where Krakuchhanda Buddha attained nirvana. Gotihawa is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. This holy site, Sanctified by the birth of the early Buddha has been marked by the construction of a stupa. An Asoka pillar erected here by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. ascertains it as the birth spot of the Buddha. However, the upper part of the pillar is missing.
Sagarhawa:
About 12 km north of Taulihawa lies the forest of Sagarhawa, with a long lake known as Lumbusagar. In this site, the Sakyas were massacred by King Virudhaka out of vengeance. Later, in the memory of the noble Sakyas, hundreds of stupas were built here by their descendants. Dr. A. Fuhrer excavated and explored these stupas in 1897 - 1898.
Niglihawa:
Niglihawa lies about 8 km northeast of Taulihawa. It is the birthplace of Kanakamuni, the early Buddha of Bhadrakalpa. The site shelters an Asoka pillar erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. The Pillar is broken into two pieces, the lower part bearing inscription is submerged in the ground and the upper part is lying on the surface. The Asoka inscription engraved in Brahmi script and pali language testfies the site as the birth spot of the Buddha. It is said that the shower of gold rained in Jambudwipa on the day he was born of father, Yajyadutta, and mother Uttara here.
Araurakot:
About 1 km east of Niglihawa lies a rectangular fortified area popularly known as Araurakot, which is believed to be the natal town of Kanakamuni Buddha. The rectangular fortification wall is magnificent even in its ruins. The fortification area houses the remains of ancient big construction underground.
Sisahaniya:
Sisahaniya is a large archaeological site lying about 12 km south of Taulihawa. This site is believed to be the place of a stupa and Sangharama built by the noble Sakyas. Today, we can see remains of ancient pottery, burnt marked coins lying scattered on the surface.
DEVADAHA AND RAMAGRAMA:
Devadaha:
Devadaha is famous ancient capital of Koliya kingdom, the maternal hometown of queen Maya Devi, Prajapati and princess Yasodhara. The site is situated at about 57 km northeast of Lumbini and is well connected by the Mahendra Highway. We can observe many archaeological and historical sites extended in a large area in Devadaha region. The potential ancient sites include Kumarvarti, Khayardada, Bairimai- Kanyamai, Bhagawanipur/Devidamar, Kotahimal, the Rohini River etc. More facts on ancient Koliyan civilization will be revealed after full-fedged excavation in future.
Ramagrama:
The Koliyas obtained one of the eight parts of the Buddha's relic which they enshrined and built a magnificent stupa at Ramagrama. Buddhist literary sources mention that Emperor Asoka wanted to obtain the Buddha's relic to build eighty four thousand minor stupas throughout his vast empire. However, the emperor didnot touch the precious relic out of the request made by Dragon king and people of Ramagrama. This surviving single original relic stupa standing 7 meters high on the bank of the Jharahi River is the most important stupa of its kind in the whole of the world.
Natural Bio Diversity:
Lumbini, being the birthplace of the Buddha is a timeless place to spread peace, harmony and solace in the world. It does not promote only contemplative value and spirituality but also attracts many naturalists, botanists and zoologists with its richness. One can find wide verities of shrubs, herbs, flowers and plants here. There are more than 250 birds species including the world's tallest flying bird Sarus Crane and threatened animals like Python, Blue Bull (boselaphus tragocamelus), Bengal fox, wild cat ets in Lumbini.
Meditation Center in Lumbini:
- Dhamma Janani Meditation Centre
- Panditarama Meditation Centre
Monasteries in Lumbini:
- The Great Lotus Stupa, Germany
- Royal Thai Monastery
- United Tungram Monastery, Nepal
- Mahabodhi Society Temple, India
- Austrian Monastery
- Myanmar Golden Stupa
- Chinese Monastery
- International Nuns' Temple, Nepal
- Drubgyud Choeling Monastery, Nepal
- Sri Lanka Monastery
Museum in Lumbini:
- Lumbini Museum
- Lumbini International Research Institute
TOUR AND TRAVEL:
Lumbini Village Tour:
A walk through the villages surrounding Lumbini Master Plan, an interaction with local people, buying their authentic handicraft, sculpture products and observing their traditional rituals will bring one closer to understanding the diversity of Terai cultures in Nepal. The visitors have the option of choosing a village tour to Ekala, Khudabagar, Madhubani, Tenuhawa, Ama and Bhagawanpur on foot, rickshaw, bicycle, bullock cart or by a taxi.
Accomodation:
There are many budget hotels, resorts and lodges as well as modern star calss hotels in and around Lumbini.
How to get there:
Lumbini is situated about 300 km southwest from Kathmandu, 175 km southwest of Pokhara, 25 km west from Belahiya ( Nepal India Border) and 22 km west from Bhairahawa. There are regular flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and regular bus servive from Bhairahawa to Lumbini. Rickshaws and bicycles are popularly ridden within the Lumbini Master Plan area.
Nepal Travel Book
How to get there:
Lumbini is situated about 300 km southwest from Kathmandu, 175 km southwest of Pokhara, 25 km west from Belahiya ( Nepal India Border) and 22 km west from Bhairahawa. There are regular flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and regular bus servive from Bhairahawa to Lumbini. Rickshaws and bicycles are popularly ridden within the Lumbini Master Plan area.
Nepal Travel Book
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