Lumbini (Sanskrit for "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.
Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees.
The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death).
History
Lumbini is the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in the 7th or 6th century BC.
According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold of the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha. The Buddha is said to have announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.
In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Ashoka's Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: "King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan ["blessed one"] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)".
Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha's birth was lost for a thousand years.
The site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Ashoka's Pillar, identified by its inscription. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
What to See
Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha's birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Ashoka.
The modern temple consists mainly of simple white building that protects ancient ruins, with the exact spot of the Buddha's birth identified. The delicate sandstone sculptures discovered here are now in the National Musuem in Kathmandu.
Atop the temple is a small square tower of the type seen in Kathmandu, with Buddha eyes on each side and a golden pinnacle on top.
On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool (see top photo), where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth, and where the newborn Buddha was washed by two dragons.
The Maha Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. All around Lumbini, long lines of colorful prayer flags are strung between trees. They carry prayers and mantras heavenward as they flap on the breeze.
The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka's Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful. Around the courtyard containing the pillar are bowls for incense sticks, and there is room to sit in front of the pillar for contemplation.
Getting There
Lumbini is in west-central Nepal near the Indian border. It is not terribly easy to get to, and the site does not receive a large amount of visitors. Most pilgrims to Lumbini come from Southeast Asia, Japan and Tibet, but westerners come regularly as well.
Lumbini has a small airport, which receives flights from airlines like the aptly-named Buddha Air. Consult the links below for more information.
World Peace Pagoda,Lumbini
Maya Devi, grasping the branch of tree in Lumbini
Nowadays it is being changed as a mini Buddhist world, where you can find different monasteries including different style of structures like: Chinese people have built their own style's monastery.
Kapilvastu is the name of the place in question as well as of the neighbouring district. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and others under construction. Also here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond - where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath - as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form. According to story it is said that Buddha had walk 7 step as soon astaking birth from Mayadevi,Buddha didn't step on the ground ,he stepped on the lotusflower,you can see seven lotus flower in Lumbini.
BUDDHA STATUE
In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was a park situated between Kapilavastu and Devadaha.It was there that the Buddha was born. A pillar now marks the spot of Asoka's visit to Lumbiní.According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Asoka's visit and gifts. Some time you can read Asoka got the pillar built in the Lumbini and some inscription is written on Pillar.It is stated that the Buddha was born in a village of the Shakya in the Lumbini. The Buddha stayed in Lumbini during his visit to Devadaha and there preached his preachings Mainly his preachings are based on four noble truth and eight fold path.According to Budha four noble path means suffering in the world etc.....we will explain you all the details during of your visit in Lumbini.
Up to now lots of archaeologists have attempted to discover regarding the Lumbini.As a result lots of records are founds too, like: Written of OM MA NI PAD ME HUN pillar,and rest of the numerous artifacts in the periphery of the Lumbini.Lumbini, as of 1997, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World Heritage program.
The holy site of Lumbini is bordered by a large monastic zone, in which only monasteries It is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone, the eastern having the Theravadi monasteries, the western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries.Shakya Muni Buddha profounded four kinds of Buddha school, like: Hinnayana, Mahayana Vajrayana and tantrayana, up to Buddha time people used to follow Hinayana or Theravadi.After Buddha's death rest of the three principles were followed. Among of they have their own descriptions, we will provide you details description during of your visit of Lumbini.
The holy site of Lumbini has renovated now. the Asokan pillar and the Mayadevi temple. where the precise place of birth of Buddha is located. Actually Lumbini is very tranquility for meditation and chanting activities.During of the Buddha Jayanti day there used to be very big fair to honor the Buddha.Nowadays some accommodation are available in the vicinity of of Monastery zone.Accessible: by aircraft and vehicle.
Photo Gallery
Gautam Buddha Airport in Lumbini
Eternal flame symbolizing peace
A temple and trees strung with prayer flags.
Shrine at the site of Buddha's birth
The Buddha's birthplace in Maha Devi Temple.
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