Explore the location where Buddha spent his infancy as Prince Siddhartha and follow in his footsteps. Lumbini is home to the exact area where Buddha was born, and it has deservedly become one of the world's most important sacred sites. Join the millions of pilgrims who have traveled the same path for over two thousand years and experience the spiritual force for yourself.
In many respects, Buddhism's tale begins in Lumbini, more than 2600 years ago, under a full moon. Queen Mayadevi is claimed to have paused here on that night on her way to give birth to a son, Prince Siddhartha, who would go on to become Buddha 35 years later. Queen Mayadevi is said to have bathed in a pond and slept under a sal tree in Lumbini Garden before giving birth. Prince Siddhartha took seven steps to the north after his birth, looked around, and declared that there would be no further rebirths for him, indicating his fate. After that, he was given a purification bath in the same pond where his mother had taken a bath.
The year was 623 BC, and
Prince Siddhartha was about to embark on a long journey to become Buddha, as
well as an even longer journey for the religion that would bear his name. It's
no surprise, then, that Lumbini has become one of the most venerated Buddhist
sites on the planet.
Lumbini is a deeply
spiritual destination for tourists, and the calm of the site is best felt in
the Sacred Garden, which surrounds the central Mayadevi Temple. A big water
feature reflects the garden's trees and is claimed to be the same pond where
Prince Siddhartha received his purifying bath. As worshippers kneel below in
profound meditation, prayer flags dangle from the branches and gently sway in
the breeze. For pilgrims who have traveled a long distance to arrive here, this
is the moment they have been anticipating.
Lumbini, however, is much
more than just the center temple and park. The complex encompasses a huge area
and includes more than 30 public monasteries, meditation centers, tranquil
natural places, and groomed parks.
Even further out, in the Lumbini area, there are thousands
of years of history to be discovered. You can follow in Buddha's footsteps by
visiting his boyhood home, seeing his mother's city, and standing on the exact
spot where he left his home via a palace gate to begin his path to
enlightenment.
A Spiritual Pilgrimage
Lumbini is one of the
holiest sites for pilgrims to visit. It is one of the four sacred sites that
Buddha is said to have urged his pupils and followers to visit. People from all
walks of life, rich and poor, healthy and sick, go from all over the world to
realize this ambition.
Everything here is inextricably tied to the tale of Buddha and his teachings, so it's hard to observe the physical without simultaneously considering the spiritual. What he witnessed in this location as a child inspired his messages to his followers, and the meetings he had with followers here following his enlightenment also shaped his legacy.
Regardless of faith, many
visitors believe that Lumbini's ambiance exudes certain spiritual energy and
serenity. It is not only a place where Buddha's teachings were influenced but
also a place where millions of people have come to think about what they mean
throughout history. Pilgrims and monks will sit and meditate under trees, close
to ponds, or at specific centers as part of their inner journeys.
Architectural Significance
Of Lumbini
A new design was
presented in 1978 to improve the visiting experience at the site. It was
designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and was based on Buddhist symbolism
of geometric shapes and the way to enlightenment. It was dubbed 'The Lumbini
Master Plan.' It's what you'll see here even now.
The pattern runs north to south and is 4.8 kilometers
(three miles) long and 1.6 kilometers (one mile) broad. The Peace Pagoda,
Lumbini Museum, and retail districts are located in the first zone, New Lumbini
Village, on the northern end.
As you progress
metaphorically from this area of 'worldly activities,' you will enter the
Cultural and Monastic Zone, which signifies knowledge and spiritual purity. A
central canal runs through the city, with wide natural regions on either side
where the monasteries are located. Each monastery was created by a different
country or organization and showcases different cultural and religious
traditions through its architecture and art.
The Sacred Garden, which represents enlightenment, is the
final portion of the Lumbini Master Plan. The Mayadevi Temple, Sacred Pond, and
Asoka Pillar may all be found here.
The journey from one end
to the other entails more than just crossing a physical boundary. It walks you
through the history of Buddhist philosophy, shows you how the religion has been
interpreted around the world, and leads you down your spiritual journey.
Historical Significance Of Lumbini
Lumbini is believed to be of enormous historical significance in addition to its religious significance. This country was covered by small kingdoms during the time of Buddha's birth, each connected to the next – and each ultimately related to Buddha's life.
It is worthwhile to spend time seeing the archaeological
sites at Lumbini and the surrounding area to gain a better knowledge of
Buddha's early years and the world in which he lived. His tale is intertwined
with events that occurred in these locations, which you can now witness for
yourself owing to restoration work.
The Ancient City of
Kapilavastu, around 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) from Lumbini, has been excavated
by one of the major archaeological operations. Prince Siddhartha grew up and
resided in this majestic capital city until he was 29 years old. You can see
how he lived in luxury until he decided to give up his belongings in quest of
something more meaningful.
Several stupas have been built on the archaeological site
of Kudan to commemorate significant events that occurred here with Buddha. The
most crucial was when he returned to his father, King Suddhodhana, seven years
after attaining enlightenment. It's also where his son, Rahula, was ordained as
a priest at the age of eight.
A lot of archaeological work has also been done in Devadaha, which is around 57 kilometers (35 miles) from Lumbini. This was the birthplace of Buddha's mother, Queen Mayadevi, and the location where she was traveling when she gave birth. Throughout history, numerous monuments have been built in her honor, and many of them have since been discovered here.
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