Lumbini
Lumbini, the Birth Place of Lord Buddha, is
the holiest pilgrimage of the Buddhist world.
Because of its immense historical and archeological
importance, Lumbini is listed as a "World
Heritage Site" by UNESCO and is declared
as a "Fountain of World Peace" by
World Buddhist Federation WBF. Many countries
and leading Buddhist institutions have constructed
magnificent monasteries and monuments in Lumbini
garden reflecting their respective indigenous
architecture. These multi-culture endeavors
enhance Lumbini as an International Buddhist
pilgrimage center.
Why to visit Lumbini?Lumbini, the birthplace
of the Buddha, lies in the midst of flat, emerald-green
fields. It is one of the four great Buddhist
pilgrimage sites and draws pilgrims from Japan,
Thailand, Sri Lanka and Korea. Lumbini is a
place less known to many but a destination worth
a visit to simply come to experience an ambiance
of spiritualism. While in Lumbini you can forget
the tense and materialistic urban life and live
a few blissful days of absolute peace and tranquility
in touch with your inner spirituality. Buddha
Maya Gardens makes sure that your wish to be
in touch with the simple aesthetics of life
is fulfilled.
Tilaurokot, the Ancient Kapilovastu
Located at a distance of about 27 kilometers
west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic
town of Kapilavastu. Believed to be the capital
of Sakya republic where the Lord Buddha lived
and enjoyed his life until his 29th year ancient
Kapilavastu has been identified with Tilaurakot
by the archaeologists. I here are ruins and
mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of
kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar. The remains
are surrounded by a moat and the wall of the
city is made of bricks. In fact, the sight of
the city of Kapilavastu visualizes a seat of
high culture. Arorakot
At about nine kilometers north-east of Taulihawa
there is a large rectangular fortified area
which is popularly known as Arorakot The fortified
area is identified by the famous Indian archaeologist
P C Mukherji as the natal town of Kanakmuni
Buddha. Remains of the ancient moat and brick
fortification around the Kot can still be clearly
seen. A brick line is seen to the south and
an elevated mound towards the north-west corner.
Niglihawa
At about eight kilometers north-east of Taulihawa
there is another site of archaeological importance.
The site has a quadrangular pond locally known
as Niglisagar and surrounded by bushes. On the
western bank of the pond there are two broken
pieces of the Ashokan pillar the longer one
lying flat and the shorter one stuck into the
ground. The pillar bears two peacocks on the
top part and a Devanagari Script inscription
reading Om Mani Padme Hum Ripu Mallasya Chiran
Jayatu 1234.
The shorter portion of the pillar which is
partly buried in the ground measures 1.52 ms
in length and bears four lines of Ashokan inscription
in the Brahmi script which roughly translates
as: King Piyadasi beloved of the gods after
14 years of his coronation enlarged for the
second time the stupa of Buddha Kanaka Muni
and after 20 years of his coronation he came
himself and worshipped (and) he caused (this)
stone pillar to be erected.
Sagarhawa
At about 12 kilometers north of Taulihawa there
is a forest area called Sagarhawa. In the midst
of the forest there is a huge rectangular pond
popularly known as Lumbusagar or a long lake.
The ruins of the ancient pond which was excavated
and identified by Dr. A. Fuhrer as the site
of "massacre of the Sakyas" can still
be located on the south-west bank of the sagar.
Gotihawa
At about five kilometers south-west of Taulihawa
there is a village called Gotihawa. In the village
there is an Ashokan Pillar standing on a slab.
The upper portion of the pillar is lost and
only the lower portion about 3.5 ms high is
still intact. Adjoining the pillar towards its
north-east side, there is a huge stupa with
successive rings of wedge-shaped Mauryan bricks.
Kudan
Kudan is located about two kilometers south
of Taulihawa close to the Shorargarh -Taulihawa
Road. There is a huge mound of structural ruins
with a cluster of four buildings and a pond.
The mounds excavated U1 1962 indicated that
there stood a huge Gupta style temple in ancient
times. This complex requires proper archaeological
conservation.
Ramagrama
Ramagrama is the maternal home of queen Maya
Devi and the country of the Koliyas. A huge
ten-meter high brick stupa one of the eight
dharu stupas containing the relics of the Buddha
stands on the bank of the Jharahi river. Still
unopened, it is the landmark of the historic
Ramagrama. Legends say it is protected by a
Naga. Recent explorations by a British team
headed by Dr. Robin Coningham has indicated
that there are few more important structural
remains around it.
This is only a cursory glance at the main historic
sites of the Lumbini area. The area has many
more archaeological/historical sites partly
explored and many other completely unexplored.
Therefore as conservation and construction activities
continue in the main complexes at Lumbini and
Kapilavastu other sites also need proper treatment
in order to fully exploit the vast richness
of the region and enhance the glory of Lumhini:
The Fountain of World Peace.
Devdaha
Devdaha is located 35 km northeast of Lumbini
the sacred birthplace of the Buddha. The East-west
highway passing through the evergreen forest
area offers an easy access to Devdaha which
lies 145 km Southwest of Kathmandu. It is the
maternal as well as the inlaw's home of prince
Siddhartha who was married to Princess Yasodhara
daughter of King Supra Buddha of Devdaha.
Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini while
Queen Maya Devi was on her way to Devdaha. Prince
Sidhartha was brought up by his second mother
Queen Prajapati Gautami and he might have spent
his childhood at his maternal home in Devdaha.
Kumarbarti
This site is located by the side of river Rohini
in the Makrahara Village Development Committee.
Queen Maya Devi and her sister Queen Prajapati
had spent one night on their way to Devdaha
and as such this place is known by the name
of Maya Devi and Prajapati. A temple and two
bells have been found here with the images of
Mayarani and Prajarani.