Lumbini, Birthplace of Buddha
Lumbini, the place where Lord Buddha was born, it has been a
popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims along side visitors from many
parts of the world, which has become a symbol of peace and understanding
for the world community. Lumbini like Buddha stands peacefully and calm,
away from the crowds of the cities, on the southern plains of the
country, surrounded by forests. Buddha was believed to be born in
Lumbini as Prince Sidhartha, when his mother Queen Mahamaya of
Kapilbastu stopped to rest on her way to her parent's palace in a
neighboring country some 2,600 years ago. People here also believe that
she chose the place because of its peaceful setting. Although there are
no cities or heavy population nearby, there are plans to develop the
area, with gardens, trees, canal, accommodation facilities and even a
library. Adequate lodging is available to the visitor and pilgrims,
including a luxury hotel made by the Japanese.
Getting there
Visitors can take a flight to Bhairahawa and take a bus or rent a jeep or
a three-wheeler to the area. In addition, there are regular bus services
linking Bhairawa and Kathmandu.
Ashoka Pillar
Believed to be put up by Emperor Ashoka in
250 BC, the pillar is six meters high of which half lies under ground.
Ashoka was a great believer of Lord Buddha and exempted the area from
all taxes.
Maya Devi Temple
Only recently archeologists have found a
commemorative stone atop a platform of seven layers of bricks five
meters below where the temple once stood, that was demolished to make
way for the dig in 1993. Buddhist scripts say Ashoka placed a stone on
top of the bricks on the birth place of Lord Buddha.
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