Lumbini located at the Rupandehi district in Nepal which is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The meaning of the word ‘Lumbini’ is ‘the lovely‘.
Lumbini is one of the important tourist destinations and also a center for an expedition where many people come to worship, research and study about the life of Gautam buddha. It is also the place where Buddha founded Buddhism when he got enlightenment in his life.
lumbini birth place of buddha
During the era of Buddha, Lumbini was situated in the east of Kapilavastu and southwest Devadaha of Shakya a despotism republic. According to Buddhist tradition,
it was there when Buddha was born but in 1896 two Nepalese archeologists Samsher Rana and Alois Anton discovered a great stone pillar at Lumbini. That pillar was the mark of the visit of the Ashok for worshipping that Buddha was born here. Before that, the Lumbini was named the Rupandehi park.
There is an inscription in the pillar that reveals that king Ashoka announced that Lumbini becomes tax-free as it is the birthplace of Lord buddha.
Now, Lumbini is 4.8 km in length and 1.6 km in width bordered by a large monastic zone where only monasteries can be built neither a shop nor a hotel was allowed there to build. The monasteries zone itself is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone. Eastern having Theravadin monastic and western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries.
Lumbini is the center of attraction for the religious and cultural destinies as there is a number of historic spots. Some of them are-
a) Puskarni pond: It can be founded on the south of Ashoka pillar where it is said that Queen Maya Devi took bath in the pond, right before giving birth to Lord buddha. Eventually, Lord buddha had his first bath in the same pond. So anyone can find no. of devotees taking a holy dip in the pond.
b) Ashoka pillar: It is the pillar where Ashoka inscribed that he is announcing the place to be tax-free as showing gesture to the birthplace of Lord buddha.
c) Lumbini Museum: Museum holding many historic and cultural artifacts which beautifully explains the life and journey of Lord buddha. The museum is located at the northern ends of Lumbini.
d) Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery: One among the major attractions of Lumbini made up only with white marbles. Having a grand architectural structure with a blue meditation center.
e) Maya Devi temple: Maya Devi is the mother of Lord Buddha and the temple is dedicated to her. Bodhi tree which had witnessed the birth of Buddha is also there which is now sheltered for morning meditation.
So next time when you plan to visit Lumbini do visit these places and make us know how your trip was. We will be happy to hear from you!
