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Lumbini is located in
the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of
the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it
evokes a kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of
Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the
place where Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace, and the Light of
Asia - was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is
an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities,
dating back to the pre-Christian era. The site (Lumbini Grove)
was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time and
still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas
and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at
the time of Lord Buddha's birth. King Suddhodana, father of
Buddha was of the Shakya Dynasty belonging to the Kshatriya or
Warrior Caste.
For centuries, Buddhists the world over knew that the general
area of Lumbini was where the Lord was born. In the words of
those famous Chinese pilgrims of antiquity, Huian Tsang and
Faeihan, 'Lumbini -where the Lord was born - is a piece of
Heaven on Earth, where one could see the snowy mountains amidst
a splendid garden, embedded with stupas and monasteries!'
However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure until
1 December 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois
A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond
doubt it was indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since that
day it has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of
pilgrims.
Lumbini is the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal.
Nearly 20,000 tourists visit the area every year (Source: Nepal
Tourism Board). Recently, UNESCO has declared it a World
Heritage Site. It has great potential to grow as the major
tourist destination in years to come.
The significance of Lumbini
Many of the places that were of importance to the Lord Buddha
during his life retain a potent significance to Buddhists of
today. Unsurprisingly, nowhere has a greater significance than
the site of his birth. In the words of Buddha himself: "O-Bhikshus',
after my death when people and members of a new generation come
and ask you, then tell them that here the Buddha was born, here
he attained the full enlightenment, here he turned the wheel of
Dharma twelve times, and here finally the Buddha entered into
Parinirvana". Hundreds of years have gone by, but the
architectural splendours of that era are still standing and
serve as a vivid reminder of the origins of Buddhist philosophy
and doctrines. As a complement to the temples and shrines, our
aim is to create a living environment in which Buddha would have
felt at home during his life.
Tourist Attractions
Lumbini Garden
The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The
fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it
a plce of reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples
surround the garden.
Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by
medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great
Indian emperor Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of
Buddha is inscribed on it.
Mayadevi Temple
Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple
attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of
discovering the temple, in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist.
The temple is remarkable in the way Maya Devi is shown giving
birth to Lord Buddha.
Pushkarni Pool
Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of
prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in
the pond. Brick steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green
water.
Kushinagar
Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord
Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas
and chaityas which remind us of the mahaparinirvana.
Bodhgaya
The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that
Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The
legand narrates that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of
senai and sat on a kusa grass mat under a pipal tree. Here he
resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was attianed.
Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.
Maha Bodhi Temple
The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol
sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Bodhi Tree
Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal
tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree.
Kapilvastu Excursion
Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous
historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha
was born here in the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist
pilgrims from all over the world. Kapilvastu is 27km from
Lumbini.
How to Reach
By Air : One can reach flight from Kathmandu Airport for
Bhairahwa Airport which is the nearest air port for Lumbini.
Sacred Garden is 15 minutes drive away.
By Rail : Nearest railway station is at Gorakhpur in
India. It is 122 km from Lumbini.
By Road : Good roads link Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also
other important Nepal cities.
Local Transport: Buses, taxis and rickshaws are the means
of local transport in Nepal. |
