Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southwestern Nepal, nearly twenty-five hundred years ago. Since then, the city has always remained the focal point of Buddhism. Today's Lumbini is a small sleepy town in the southwestern Tarai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. The followers of both Hinyana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism revere Lumbini. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient Stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar that is said to be erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha.

Lumbini

The most important attraction of Lumbini is the holy temple of Maya Devi. The temple has a stone sculpture of Maya Devi in labor pain. The image shows her holding the branch of a tree while Buddha is getting birth. The temple is very popular among the women having some or other fertility problem. The main complex have large stretches of Bo Tree plantations. This the same tree that is shown in the sculpture in the Maya Devi temple. Another variety of the same plant is known as Banyan; the same plant under which Buddha got enlightened. The Bo plantation and a newly planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquility to the surrounding. Lumbini is now being developed under the Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the restoration of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site.

Apart from its religious and historical significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of southwestern Nepal. The must catch event is the weekly communal Bazaar. This bazaar is organized every Monday therefore try to coincide your visit with that. The weekly bazaar looks like the scene taken straight out of the Arabian fables. Villagers come from miles around to buy grains, spices, pottery, jewelry, saris and various other items. With colorful merchandise spread out under the Mango trees and the air perfumed with incense, the place looks like the ocean of humanity. You can buy souvenirs for your dear ones and side-by-side witness the local life in Lumbini.

After centuries of neglect from travelers, backpackers and archeologists, Lumbini is finally scaling the chart. Serious preservation work has only just been started and efforts are being done on the war footing to save this historical marvel.

Lumbini Attractions

Lumbini Garden : The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha.

An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. It has been well worn by the strokes of barren women hoping for fertility. A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received enlightenment), and a newly-planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquillity which bespeaks Buddha's teachings

The Ashokan Pillar : Discovered by the now famous German archaeolgist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible landmark of the garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved in the pillar (in Brahmi script).

It is said that the great Indian Emperor Ashok visited the site in the twentieth year of is ascendancy to the throne and as a homage to the birthplace,erected the pillar.

The inscriptions in the pillar roughly translates as: Kin Piyadesi beloved of th Gods, having been anointed 20 yeas, came himself and worshipped saying Here Buddha Shakyamuni was born: And he caused to make a stone (capital) representing a horse; and he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected. Because the worshipful one was born in the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth".

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