Monday, December 30, 2013
Welcome to the historic place of Nepal, if you are looking
for traveling to one of the most historical place of Nepal don't forget to
visit "Lumbini - The Birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha"
Lumbini is the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam who later
known as Lord Gautam Buddha. Buddha is known as "the light of Asia". Millions of
people around all over the world come here to visit. Lumbini is listed in the
World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO.
The Indian emperor Ashoka identified and set the Ashoka
pillar in Lumbini which is the main attraction of this area. The other main
attraction of this area is Maya Devi Temple, Scared Garden spread over 8 sq km
and scared pond Puskarni where Mayadevi had taken a bath before giving birth to
Gautam Buddha. Lumbini holds the historical and religious significance of
Nepal.
Attractions:
Ashoka Pillar:
-built in the year 259BC, this pillar was built by King
Ashoka, When he constructed this pillar,
the King exempted the villagers from paying tax and gave out 100 golden coins
to the people. In the seventh century, the pillar was struck by lightning and
split into two parts. The site was lost for six centuries and covered with
dense forest before being re found in 1895. The place was cleared and the
pillar reconstructed.
Maya Devi Temple:
-This temple is supposed to be dedicated to Maya Devi, who
is Buddha’s mother, which seems natural as Lumbini in famed as the birth place
of Buddha. The temple was built during the 2nd century. Next to the temple
there is a pool where Maya Devi used to bathe, now days the Japanese Buddhist
Federations is re constructing new temple at this site.
The Crane Sanctuary:
- A sanctuary is
being built for the protection and breeding of endangered cranes in this area.
It’s an interesting place to visit.
The Sacred garden:
- is the beautiful area around the Asoka pillar where you
can spend some time relaxing and wondering around.
Monastic Zone:
- Many countries have built monasteries in this area, it’s
possible to walk around and visit them as you like. Though the buildings are
mainly in the new style.
How to get there:
Air - Bhairahwa is the nearest airport, 22 kms , well
connected to Kathmandu airport. At present, about 22 international airlines
connect Nepal to various other destinations in Asia and the Middle East.
Rail - Gorakhpur, In India, is the nearest railhead, 122 km
from Lumbini.
Road - Good motorable roads connect Bhairahwa to Lumbini,
and also other important cities of Nepal. India border is 22 kms.
Want to Know More about Buddha's Life ?
Buddhist Circuit Tour: The circuit provides insight into the life of
Lord Buddha and the development of Buddhism. There are 62 archaeological sites
scattered around Lumbini. The tour goes through Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gothihawa,
Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama - all bearing
significance to the life and enlightenment of the Buddha.
Tilaurakot: Identified by archaeologists as the capital of
Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot lies 27 km west of Lumbini, where excavations are on to
unearth the ancient palace of King Suddhodhan, Siddhartha Gautam’s father. The
Buddha is believed to have spent the first 29 years of his princely life in
Tilaurakot.
Kudan: Located some 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot, Kudan is
where King Suddhodhan met Lord Buddha for the first time after returning from
his enlightenment. It was here that the Kasaya (yellow robe worn by monks) was
presented to Lord Buddha. It was also here that the Kasaya was presented by
Lord Buddha to Rahul, his son.
Gothihawa : About 5 km from Tilaurakot, Gothihawa is where
Krakuchanda Buddha, who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha, was born. Remains of a
broken Ashoka Pillar and relics can be seen here.
Niglihawa: About 8 km from Tilaurakot, Niglihawa is where
Kanakmani Buddha was born. Here too one can see remains of a broken Ashokan
Pillar.
Devdaha: The capital of the Koliya kingdom and maternal home
of Mayadevi, Devdaha is 35 km to the northeast of Lumbini. This is where
Siddhartha Gautam spent his childhood.
Sagarhawa : Forest site is identified by archeologists as
the “Palace of the Massacre of the Shakyas” by the invading forces. The ruins
of the ancient site lie on the west and south banks of a large rectangular pond
known locally as Lumbu Sagar, or long pond, in Niglihawa village. Sagarahawa is
12 km north of Taulihawa municipality in Lumbini.
Lumbini Village Tour: A walk through the villages
surrounding Lumbini and interaction with the warm and hospitable local people,
buying their handicrafts and observing their traditional rituals will bring one
closer to understanding the diversity of the Terai cultures in Nepal. Village
tours also give an opportunity to observe the Terai landscape and a peek into
the locals’ agro-based rural lifestyle, colorful costumes, festivals which they
celebrate with much joy and enthusiasm, and gracious hospitality. Visitors can
also visit the local temples and mosques or partake in the cultural ceremonies.
Wetland areas, lakes and ponds in the villages offer birdwatching
opportunities. Visitors have the option of choosing to walk through the
villages or ride in a local rickshaw or bullock cart. Some of the villages
surrounding Lumbini are Ekala, Khudabagar, Tenuhawa, Lumbini Adarsh and
Madhuvani.
