Lumbini Travel Guide
Travel to Lumbini - Birthplace of Lord Buddha
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Prince Siddhartha Gautama is believed to have been born under a sal tree in the ancient city of Kapilavastu in 563 BCE. The centuries following his death brought massive changes in the fortunes of the city which was lost to the world for a thousand years but relatively recent archaeological excavations seem now to confirm once and for all that Lumbini was the place of his birth, making it one of the world’s most important religious sites.
Siddhartha Gautama was a prince of the Sakya clan and at 29 he went away from his family in order to lead the life of an ascetic. During these wandering years he underwent many tests, had many visions and finally achieved enlightenment at age 35, becoming a Buddha. He spent the next 45 years preaching what is now known as the Middle Way before dying and passing into nirvana.
His birth and early years were spent at Kapilavastu near modern Lumbini. Following his death the site was visited by the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka who erected one of his famous pillars, and following this many monasteries and stupas were built in honour of the Buddha; by 403 however the site was destroyed in some as yet unknown event. By the 14th century the Nepali king Ripu Malla had made a pilgrimage here but the invading Mughals destroyed whatever was left until, in 1896, the governor of Palpa began excavating Ashoka’s pillar. Lumbini’s renaissance had begun.
Much speculation has over the last hundred years raged about whether the Lumbini area was the site of Kapilavastu but recently evidence has emerged that it indeed was. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and today, as must have been the case millennia ago, it attracts many pilgrims.
Attractions in Lumbini
The main sights are the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Siddhartha Gautama’s mother and which sits on the spot he was born. 1992 excavations here have revealed ruins 2200 years old and a dedicatory stone matching one attributed to Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The temple houses a famous sandstone stone carved with the image of Devi Maya giving birth to Siddhartha, however it is very worn. Ashoka’s Pillar was rediscovered in 1896 and stands 6m high in front of the temple. Naturally there are many monasteries at the site widely spread out amongst the Eastern and Western Monastic Zones and many are interesting to visit.
Activities in Lumbini
Allow a full day to see the site in full, although those short of time can gain a good impression with a visit of a couple of hours.
Relaxing
It is easy at Lumbini and there is perhaps no better place than to find a quiet spot and contemplate the teachings of the Buddha’s Middle Way, more a philosophy than a religion
Getting Around
The site including the Monastic Zones are very spread out so either visit with your own transport or hire a rickshaw locally
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