Birthplace of Gautam Buddha - Lumbini, situated in the southern part of Nepal, is just 265 Km away from the ancient capital city - Kathmandu. Having easy access via road and airways, Lumbini has world-wide recognition and importance. More than thousands of pilgrims, wanderers, and followers come to Lumbini to seek peace and learn about Buddhism every year!
The history of Lumbini dates centuries back to the time of Gautam Buddha, born a prince. We are thankful to German archaeologist who discovered Kapilvastu in 1,895 AD. Tourists from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and China are the highest in numbers and visit particularly around the festival-Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha.
Inside the premises of Lumbini, 14 monasteries stand that are built by different countries. Among the major attractions is the Mayadevi temple devoted to Gautam Buddha’s mother, who gave birth to Lord Buddha while standing. Inside, you can see the stone which marks the precise place of birth.
You can experience a serene atmosphere around the temple where monks in maroon Buddhist outfit are chanting mantras and meditating in the sacred garden, nearby attractive bodhi tree. The holy pool adjoining the temple is where two dragon kings bathed Gautam Buddha after birth.
Other attractions include pillar erected by Indian emperor Ashoka during 249 BC. At the end of a long canal, eternal peace flame burns, which is a stunning view to watch. You can watch the beautiful monasteries built by several countries. Although the ancient structures have turned into ruins, they are well preserved, and you can walk around them all day.
You can have access to the temple with a $5 entry fee. As the area is 7.68 km2, consider renting a bicycle that makes your tour more fun-filled. If you’re fond of wild lives, Chitwan National Park is on the way, which happens to be another UNESCO world heritage site!
Place To Explore In Lumbini
Maya Devi Temple
Star attraction of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple, takes you to 563 BC when Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautam, the founder of Buddhism. The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple, receives its name from the Queen and the mother of Lord Buddha.
The temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stands adjacent to a sacred garden and Puskarni – a holy pool where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth to Lord Buddha. Maya Devi is considered as an incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess.
Home to the archaeological BCE brick buildings’ remains of the 3rd century constructed by King Ashoka, the temple has a 6th century BCE timber shrine, which was discovered in 2013. The 1992 excavations brought significant findings like a succession of ruins, including the commemorative stone on a brick plinth – laid by Emperor Ashoka, as old as 2,200 years.
Pilgrim’s focal point, sandstone carving of Buddha’s birth, was left by Rupu Malla – then Malla King, in the 14th century. The engraving shows the shape of Maya Devi grasping a tree branch to give birth to Buddha while standing. The marker stone, which pinpoints the exact spot of Buddha’s birth, is encased with bulletproof glass, which can be seen on visiting the temple.
The temple region is famous for Ashoka Pillar, and Bodhi Tree decorated with colorful flags with prayers, under which monks pray and meditate.
You will find the ticket counter 50 m north of the gate to the Sacred Garden. You are not allowed to come inside with shoes on. The temple area is refreshing, full of positive energy, with the music of mantras chanted for pilgrims. The temple is a must-visit site for everyone, either a devotee or not, to understand one of the most popular religions of the world – Buddhism and its founder.
