The helicopter flight will show you the verticality of Nepal, from the highest mountains in the world to a sheer drop at Lumbini - some 200 meters above sea level, all in about one hours time. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion, and non-violence. It is situated in Kapilvastu District of Lumbini Zone the western Terai of Nepal, 250 km southwest of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan pillar, remnants of an old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc are still preserved in Lumbini. You have the chances to visit the Lumbini Garden a world heritage site, where you can see the Viharas, Monasteries and meditation centers. These all are the Bethlehem of Buddhism and is the epicentre of all schools of Buddhist from all over the world.
Lumbini (Sanskrit for "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Rupandehi District, Lumbini Zone of Nepal. It is the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. Lumbini is located 25kms east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, the place where the Buddha grew up and lived up to the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of place as well as the neighbouring district. Lumbini has various Buddhist temples including the Mayadevi temple and many which are presently (2007) under construction. There is also the Puskarini pond and remains of Kapilvastu palace in Lumbini. There are other sites near Lumbini where previous Buddhas were born and achieved enlightment and died.
In 1896, Nepalese archaeologists (effort by Khadga Samsher Rana ) discovered a great stone pillar at the site, attributed to Emperor Ashoka. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. For Buddhists, this is one of four pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Lumbini, as of 1997, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World heritage program.
Lets explore the pilgrimage of all Buddhists, the universal centre of all Buddhist pilgrims, whatever faith you belongs to!
