Lumbini, revered as a pivotal Buddhist site, marks the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Buddhism’s founder. Born Prince Siddhartha Gautama of the Shakya Dynasty in 623 BC, his journey began in Lumbini’s gardens. Renouncing royal life, he sought enlightenment through deep meditation, eventually founding Buddhism.
Emperor Ashoka of India commemorated his visit to Lumbini by erecting inscribed pillars not only there but also in Niglihawa and Gotihawa. These sites were further acknowledged in the writings of Seng-Tsai, Fa-Hsien in the 4th century, and Hsuan-Tsang in the 7th century, who mentioned temples and stupas in their records.
The heart of Lumbini is the Mayadevi Temple, adjacent to a hallowed pool known as Puskarni and a sacred garden. This site, where Buddha first bathed, marks his exact birthplace. The temple, amidst a serene landscape of trees and ancient foundations, stands as a testament to this pivotal moment in history.
Lumbini’s tour is a renowned spiritual and archaeological journey in Nepal. Its archaeological wonders chronicle various episodes of Buddha’s life. The site is also notable for its international array of temples, each reflecting the unique architectural style of its contributing country, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
Beyond the Mayadevi Temple, 27km west lies Tilaurakot, believed to be the Shakya Kingdom’s capital and worth exploring. This site showcases ancient stupas and monasteries built from kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar, dating from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD.