Lumbini - Birth Place of Lord Buddha
Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the centre of holy
faith for the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Located in
south-western Nepal, Lumbini holds several reminders of Lord Buddha. One of the
most important historical sites in Nepal is endowed by nature with rich natural
beauty.
Fast facts
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Location |
South-western Nepal |
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Importance |
One of the most important historical sites in the world, UNESCO world
heritage site |
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Known For |
Religious historical sites |
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Nearby Attraction |
Kapilvastu |
Tourist Attractions
Lumbini Garden
The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The
fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a plce of
reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples surround the garden.
Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by
medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great Indian emperor
Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of Buddha is inscribed on it.
Mayadevi Temple
Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple
attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of discovering the temple,
in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist. The temple is remarkable in the way
Maya Devi is shown giving birth to Lord Buddha.
Pushkarni Pool
Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of
prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in the pond. Brick
steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green water.
Kushinagar
Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord
Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas and chaityas
which remind us of the mahaparinirvana.
Bodhgaya
The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that
Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The legand narrates
that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of senai and sat on a kusa grass mat
under a pipal tree. Here he resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was
attianed. Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.
Maha Bodhi Temple
The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol
sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Bodhi Tree
Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal
tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree.
Kapilvastu Excursion
Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous
historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha was born here in
the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the
world. Kapilvastu is 27km from Lumbini.
How to Reach
By Air : One can reach flight from Kathmandu Airport for
Bhairahwa Airport which is the nearest air port for Lumbini. Sacred Garden is
15 minutes drive away.
By Rail : Nearest railway station is at Gorakhpur in India.
It is 122 km from Lumbini.
By Road : Good roads link Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also
other important Nepal cities.
Local Transport
Buses, taxis and rickshaws are the means of local transport
in Nepal.
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