One of the most popular spiritual sites in the entire world is Lumbini, the birthplace of the historic Lord Buddha Shakyamuni.
Many archeologists and historians refer to the sacred Mayadevi Temple as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Also, inscriptions on the famous Ashoka pillar also refer to this spot as Buddha’s birthplace. It is known that it was here that the newly born Buddha took his first seven steps and later gave a peace message to humanity.
It all started in the stunning Sal grove i.e. the center point of Lumbini Garden. The Queen of Kapilvastu’s Shakya King Suddhodhana was passing across the Lumbini Garden, on the full moon day around 600BC or Baishakha Purnima. She decided to take a bath in the sacred pond (Pushkarini). Soon after, the Queen took the support of close tree branch and gave birth to the sacred Prince Siddhartha, who later becomes the Buddha.
Every year, hundreds of people walk across the garden and soak up the peaceful atmosphere while visiting Mayadevi Temple. They come in the hope to find a quiet meditative spot to contemplate.
History of Lumbini
Lumbini was identified by an Indian Emperor – Ashoka. He visited the location in 248 BCE and erected the famous pillar with the inscription commemorating Siddhartha’s birth. Also, he built a wall all around the village and later ordered the four stupas building to mark the spot.
Modern and Ancient Lumbini Side-by-Side
Lumbini’s rich heritage withstanding, the great experience of touring Lumbini is now an amazing and curious combination of the new and the ancient.
Today, Lumbini is visited by hundreds of pilgrims and visitors because it is within a short striking distance of other attracting detours in the Middle Hills and Terai.
In the immediate north, plains give way to the Mahabharat range hills. Tansen is also a classic hill town in Nepal, dotted with Newari architecture and calm demeanor. A gentle walk from here brings you to Magar tribal villages and Ranighat Darbar. Then there is Chitwan National Park, one of the most popular havens for Nepali tigers and one-horned rhinos.
Set in the mighty Himalayas surrounds, Nepal offers the most stunning, diverse and scenic white-water experiences on the planet. It could be short trips for beginners or long trips for enthusiasts through mountain rivers and jungles. In short, the choices are countless.
Some of the major attractions of Lumbini include Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka pillar, Myanmar Golden Temple, World Peace Pagoda, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar, China Temple, and Lumbini Museum.
Besides architecture, Lumbini is also popular for a wide range of bird species found in reservoirs included syps, owls, sarus crane, Indian spotted eagle, and other endangered animals.
