Lumbini is Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Lumbini province in Nepal. When visiting Nepal , its easy to set your sights firmly on Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mt. everest, Chitwan national park, Bhaktapur, etc. but don’t overlook the religious site of Lumbini. As the birth place of the Buddha, this is one of the world’s greatest pilgrimage destinations for Buddhist. If you are interested to visit historical place then add Lumbini to your Nepal wish list.
The story of Buddhism all begins in Lumbini, under a full moon more than 2600 years ago. Mayadevi was going from Kapilvastu to maternal home in Devdaha. She took bath in Pushkarini pond and after taking 25 paces to the north she felt labor pain and gave birth to the holy prince in Lumbini. He was born on the full moon under a saal tree in the month of Baishak of Nepali calendar. He was given the purification bath in the Pushkarini pond. It is believed that after the birth, lord Sakyamuni Buddha took seven steps to the north, looked around and announced, “this is my last birth ; henceforth, there will be no rebirth for me”.
For Buddhist pilgrims, Lumbini is one of the holiest place to visit. A visit to birthplace of Buddha provides a great opportunity for pilgrims to experience inner peace and spiritual growth.
When and how to get Lumbini?
Lumbini is situated in terai plain, lowlands of Nepal. So it is best to visit in the winter months in between November – February. If your plan fits only in summer months then prefer to visit early in the morning.
It is only 27 Km west from Bhairahawa international Airport. You can have a short flight from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Bhairahawa. If you wish to drive tour, Lumbini is a 5-6 hours drive from Pokhara.
Places to visit in Lumbini
Mayadevi temple
Mayadevi temple is a heart of Lumbini because the marker stone, the nativity sculpture and many old ruins are located. These ruins were built by Emperor Asoka in 249 B.C. In 1986, General khadga shamsher rebuilt it in 1939. The present day Mayadevi temple was rebuilt in 2003 by Lumbini development trust.
Pushkarini pond
Mayadevi was going from Kapilvastu to maternal home in Devdaha. She took bath in the pushkarini pond and after taking 25 paces to the north east she felt labor pain and gave birth to the holy prince. He was given the purification bath in sacred pond.
The pond existed before the birth of prince siddartha in an oval shape. The present day pond measures 24.90m x 24.85m x 4.83m in size with an embankment of bricks.
The Asoka pillar
Asoka the great was a powerful king of the Mauryan empire in India. He was known for renouncing war and promoting Buddhism. His empire was very large stretching from Iran to most of the Indian subcontinent. He was a cruel ruler in the begining of his reign but changed his ways afte a bloody battle against the kingdom of Kalinga. He was known as “Beloved of the Gods” and “gracious of mien”. Most of what we know about him comes from Buddhist texts which praise him as a good example of conversion and virtuous behavior.
Asoka visited the Lumbini in 249 B.C. and erected ‘The Asoka pillar’ to mark the birthplace of lord Sakyamuni Buddha and to commemorate his visit to Lumbini. This 6 meter tall pink sandstone structure was rediscovered by Nepalese Arecheologists in 1896. This pillar is located west of Mayadevi temple and north of Pushkarini.
The Asoka pillar was lost in bush and rediscovered after the Ripu malla’s visit occurred on December 1, 1986 when Dr. A.A Fuhrer and General Khadga Shumsher JBR conducted an excavation.
Eternal peace flame
Eternal peace flame is located at the southern end of the canal and 500 meter north of Mayadevi temple. It is one of major attraction of Lumbini garden. It was created in 1986 to celebrate the international year of peace. The flame was brought from the united states of America by late king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah to promote peace and harmony among the nation as well as the global community.
Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
The Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery is located in the north east of the eternal peace flame. This wonderful Thai style monastery is built from shiny white marble in Lumbini, funded by the government of Thailand. No entry fee is required to visit here, in Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery there is a beautiful garden for refreshment and you will enjoy the place with clicking many photographs. You will also find a street shop where you can buy Thai food as well.
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