To become acquainted with the great and beautiful history of Buddhism, then a trip to Lumbini in Nepal is a must.
Lumbini, Nepal, is one of the four most holy places for Buddhists and it is also of great importance to Hindus.
It is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Terai plains of southern Nepal.
Buddha was born in Lumbini over 2,500 years ago when his mother, Maya Devi was passing through Lumbini on her way to visit her
parents. When she reached Lumbini, the labour pains started and she had to holdonto the branch of a tree for support as she delivered her child.
Maya Devi was entranced by the beauty and tranquillity of Lumbini, in particular Lumbini’s beautiful gardens and wildlife. A ancient temple now exists
Lumbini which is named after Maya Devi. There are also the remains of a sacred pond, which Maya Devi is believed to have bathed in.
Although Lumbini became neglected during the years following Buddha’s birth and many of the sites were left to go to ruin, Lumbini still retained it’s
position as one of Nepal’s most sacred sites. A number of key figures in Nepal have left their mark on Lumbrini. Ashoka, the magnanimous Indian Emperor
visited Lambrini in 246 BC. During his visit to Lambrini, Ashoka left one of his trademark inscribed pillars at the site. The pillar is approximately six meters
tall. Half of the pillar is buried, whilst the other half is exposed. The pillar collapsed when it was struck by lightning and further years of neglect
meant that the pillar was only rediscovered during an excavation at the end of the 19th century.
Many of the sacred sites of Lumbini were destroyed or ruined during the Moghul invasion into Nepal t the end of the 15th century as the monuments were considered
Fortunately however, many have survived sufficiently for a trip to Lumbini during your time in Nepal to be worthwhile. You will certainly benefit from the
tranquillity and the peace in Lumbini.
In addition to the Sacred Pond and the Maya Devi temple, the other important sites of Lumbini include the Ashokan Pillar (as referred to above and the Tibetan
and Themravada Viharas.
Other sacred sites in Nepal are featured in other articles. Please see the main link for the Nepal articles.
