Lumbini, the holy place in the Terai region of Nepal, is probably one of the most famous tourist destinations for all Buddhist devotees all over the world. Apart from Buddhist devotees, its breathtaking beauty, peaceful environment, and the best Buddhist shrines have attracted thousands of regular tourists from every corner of the earth.
This UNESCO-enlisted birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha has a lot of things to offer to its visitors- from shrines, and monuments that reflect Buddhism to the beautiful gardens and ponds.
Spread over 4.8 Kilometers in length and 1.3 kilometers in width, the Lumbini heritage is in the monastic region where no monuments other than monasteries can be built.
The building of any recreational objects is illegal in Lumbini in this area. Within that area, there are lots of Buddhist shrines that are worth visiting. So, if you are planning to visit Lumbini but have no knowledge about the places, here are the 9 most important places in the Lumbini area that you must visit while you are in this region.
25 Places to Visit in Lumbini, Nepal
UNESCO enrolled the origin as a world legacy site because of its significance to the Hindu and Buddhist religious groups and also the history and culture of the whole world. The Lumbini legacy site covers 4.8km long and 1.3 km in width and is expressed as a religious zone where no one but cloisters can be fabricated.
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- 1. Maya Devi Temple / Maya Devi sanctuary
- 2. Ashok Pillar
- 3. Myanmar Golden Temple
- 4. World Peace Pagoda
- 5. Dharma Swami Maharaja BoddhaVihar
- 6. China Temple / China sanctuary
- 7. Lumbini Museum
- 8. Sanctum -Santorum of the Birthplace of Lord Buddha
- 9. Puskarnithe sacred pool
- 10. Eternal peace flame
- 11. Kapilvastu
- 12. Terrified GARDEN
- 13. The Marker Stone:
- 14. The Nativity Sculpture:
- 15. Tilaurakot:
- 16. Araurakot:
- 17. Gotihawa:
- 18. Kudan:
- 19. Niglihawa:
- 20. Sagarhawa:
- 21. Devedaha:
- 22. Ramgram:
Working on any recreational structure in the zone is precluded and is isolated from the Eastern zone (with Theravadin cloisters) and the Western zone (Mahayana and Vajrayana religious communities). The significant attractions of Lumbini are as per the following.
1. Maya Devi Temple / Maya Devi sanctuary
The temple of Maya Devi is the major attraction around the Lumbini area. This temple is a building that protects the exact spot where Lord Buddha was believed to have been born. Along with that stone, it also has many bricks and structures from the time Buddha was born.
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The Bondi Tree which is nearby the temple is the tree where Queen Maya Devi took a rest while she was traveling. The temple is also accompanied by a pond where people believe that Buddha took his very first bath.
The most noted and vital sanctuary in the commencement reveres the conventional area of Buddha’s introduction to the world. The Maya Devi sanctuary is one of the real attractions of Lumbini. The later sanctuary is a white building that secures the correct spot of Buddha’s introduction to the world, meant by a marker stone.
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The Bodhi tree is the tree where Maya Devi rested in the shade while she was voyaging. It was there that she started giving birth and took a custom plunge into the close-by lake, which is accepted to be where Buddha scrubbed down as well.
Notwithstanding the Ashokan Pillar, the other sanctum of significance is the base-help pictures of Maha Maya Debi-the Queen of King Suddhodan. Revered in a little pagoda-like structure, the picture demonstrates Maya Debi, the mother of Crown Prince Siddhartha Gautam. She is seen supporting herself by hanging on with her correct hand to a branch of a sal tree, with the recently conceived newborn child Buddha standing upright on a lotus platform on a level radiance.
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Two other divine figures are portrayed in a demonstration of pouring sacred water and lotuses given from paradise Earlier the picture was put in the well-known white sanctuary of Maya Debi other than the column now completely disassembled to clear a path for the unearthings which uncovered the Sanctum Sanctorum, the correct spot where our Lord was conceived.
It is best for the general population who are intrigued to think about the historical backdrop of Nepal. They can know much data about the group of Lord Buddha. They likewise can know his adolescent way of life and the way he got salvation.
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2. Ashok Pillar
Right beside the Maya Devi Temple, lies the Pillar which was built by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BC. It is also known as Ashoka Pillar. This pillar has an inscription that describes the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This pillar holds very important historical significance as it is proof that Buddha was born in the Lumbini rather than in India.
It is trusted that this Pillar was worked in 249 BC when Emperor Ashoka of India went by the then-thriving town of Lumbini. He constructed four stupas and a Pillar with a stallion icon at the best and an engraving that portrays his visit and the significance of Lumbini as the origin of Lord Buddha.
The column is encompassed by a little fence, enriched with vivid supplication banners, and has dishes to light incense sticks and contemplate. This column holds a recorded hugeness and it is thought to be one of the significant attractions of Lumbini.
The Ashok Pillar; was founded by the now-well-known German classicist Dr. Further, the column is the principal epigraphic confirmation identifying with the life history of Lord Buddha and is additionally the most noticeable point of interest in the favorable garden.
The memorable significance of the column is proven by the engraving engraved on the column (in Brahmi characters). It is said that the Hindu Indian Emperor Ashok-the Great, who got changed over, went to the site in the twentieth year of his increase to the honored position and as a tribute to the unadulterated origination raised the column.
The engraving on the column is generally interpreted as; King Piyadesi the dearest of the Gods, having been blessed 20 years, came himself and worshiped saying-Here Buddha Sakyamnu was conceived. He caused to make a stone (capital) speaking to a stallion and caused (this) stone column to be raised. Since here the reverential one has conceived the town of Lumbini has made free of expenses and beneficiary of riches.
3. Myanmar Golden Temple
Myanmar Golden Temple is the oldest structure in the Lumbini area. This temple has three prayer halls. Inside the temple, there is the Lokamani Pula Pagoda which is a Burmese-style Pagoda that resembles the Shwe-Dagon Pagoda of Yangon. This golden temple was made by the Myanmar government in the Lumbini area.
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One of the most established structures on the premises with three supplication lobbies is the Myanmar brilliant sanctuary. Appropriate inside the sanctuary premises is the Lokamani Pula pagoda, another Burmese-style pagoda that takes after the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon. This site is beautiful to the point that you will be astonished and won’t let your eyes off this Temple.
4. World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda is probably the most beautiful in the Lumbini area. Built at the cost of over one million US dollars by the Japanese, it is a shiny white structure with the golden statue of the Lord Buddha. Though the peace pagoda is not in the Lumbini world heritage site area, this landmark is equally famous as any other monastery inside the Lumbini area.
This pagoda was worked by the Japanese at the cost of US $ 1 million, simply outside the fundamental region. The pagoda has the statue of Lord Buddha in the position he took when he was conceived. It is a glimmering white structure with a brilliant statue. It is one of the rising attractions of Lumbini.
5. Dharma Swami Maharaja BoddhaVihar
This Vihar is Tibetan-styled Gompa which is right outside the complex. This Vihar was built by the Raja of Mustang and Eminence ChogyaTrichenRinboche. In this Vihar, a puja is conducted every single day by around sixty monks who reside. This Vihar is one of the landmarks of the Lumbini world heritage site.
This Tibetan-styled Gompa outside the complex was worked by His Eminence Chogya Trichen Ringboche and Raja of Mustang where Tara Puja is led each day by the 60 priests who dwell there.
6. China Temple / China sanctuary
China temple is a huge complex with lots of prayer rooms, meditation cells, and pagodas. This elegant monastery is a very much impressive structure because of its style and uniqueness. Arriving at this monastery through various other monasteries, this monastery looks like something out of the Forbidden City.
It is a complex of pagodas, petition rooms, and reflection cells. Alternate sanctuaries and religious communities incorporate the Korean sanctuary, while others are worked by Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, Germany, Sri Lanka, and different nations. This site is beautiful to the point that you will be astonished and won’t let your eyes off this Temple.
7. Lumbini Museum
In the Lumbini area, apart from all the majestic and supreme monasteries, lies a museum that is a landmark in itself in terms of its style. This museum is devoted to the life of Lord Buddha and it has many photos and objects from Buddhist places all over the world. If you are visiting Lumbini and want to know more about Buddhism and Lord Buddha, this is the place you must not ignore.
It is situated in the Cultural Zone and contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious original copies, earthenware pieces, and stone and metal models. It additionally has a broad accumulation of stamps from different nations delineating Lumbini and the Buddha.
Lumbini International Research Institute: situated inverse to the Lumbini Museum, LIRI gives investigate offices to the investigation of Buddhism and religion as a rule. Run together by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains various books on religion, reasoning, craftsmanship, and design.
The Lumbini exhibition hall is known as a Buddhist workmanship display and focuses on Buddhism. It helps save Buddhist culture and instructs us on its esteem. It grants learning to educated and also ignorant people of the general public through workmanship remains.
Earthenware board of Siddhartha and Yasodhara in bed posture, human and creature puppets, Punch stamped and Kushana coins, different copies of Buddhist pictures, and photographs from Indian exhibition halls are shown. The wonderful discoveries of Lumbini like Bodhisattva, Maitreya, Ratnasambhava, Vajravārāhi (Tara), nativity figure of Buddha, combination stone (Marker stone), and Padampaniavalokitesvar are not kept in this gallery.
Either unique or imitations of the great structures and antiques of Kapilvastu, Devadaha, Ramagrama, and Lumbini ought to be shown here. Guests should feel that they are viewing the historical center of Lumbini, the origination of Lord Buddha, yet no Indian gallery.
Being the viable medium for kids, outlines, pictures, light slides, picture collections, films, handouts, miniaturized scale films, indexes, and manuals ought to be delivered as instructive materials for schools, grounds, and colleges.
Shown items ought to be present in short, exact, and simple to-peruse stories, exhibited in the divider, protest names, and varying media, for example, recordings and CD-ROMs. Intuitive electronic maps, PC-based tests that test guests’ learning, and projects that enable guests to reproduce a rocket dispatch or airship landing are other connections with a display include that make utilization of PC innovation.
The Lumbini historical center should offer to handle trips for school gatherings, and it ought to be given instructive materials and workshops that assist instructors to utilize gallery accumulations and presentations as educational programs assets.
8. Sanctum -Santorum of the Birthplace of Lord Buddha
The most important landmark of Lumbini is probably the stone slab located under Sanctum sanctorum. This stone slap base identifies the exact location of the original place where Gautam Buddha was born. This stone slab is protected in the Maya Devi Mandir.
9. Puskarnithe sacred pool
In the South of the Maya Devi Temple, there is a well-known holy pool or pond named Puskarni. This pond is thought to be the same divine pool in which queen Maya Devi took a religious dip right before giving life to Lord Buddha. The pool is architecturally marvelous and has three terraces in ascending order.
Near the Asokan Pillar on the southern side is the blessed lake, the Puskarini, accepted to be the sacred lake in which Maya Devi washed up just before bringing forth the Lord Buddha. It is additionally the site where the newborn child sovereign Siddhartha was given his first cleaning shower. The lake has terraced steps and is bolted by wonderfully layered blocks.
South of the Ashokan column, there is well known holy survey named Puskarni accepted to be a similar heavenly pool in which Maya Debi took a devout plunge just before bringing forth the Lord and where the newborn child Buddha was given its first cleansing shower. Compositionally the pool has three anticipating patios in the rising request and is uncovered with fine block brickwork.
10. Eternal peace flame
Another major attraction of the Lumbini area is the Eternal Peace Flame or Shanti Deep. This flame burns continuously for an indefinite period. Lots of tourists visit Lumbini to see this torch that burns always for peace.
11. Kapilvastu
Around twenty-five hundred and a few years back, Kapilvastu was a little republic arranged underneath the Churia or Shiwalik scope of the foothills of the Himalayas. At the season of the introduction of Buddha, Suddhodana the father of Buddha was managed by Kapilvastu as his boss or lord.
The main portrayal of Kapilvastu is by the Chinese student of history and traveler, Fa-Hien who went by Lumbini and Kapilvastu in 403. A.D. When he achieved the site, the city was set apart by destroying demolishes and hills. A couple of priests and everyday citizens lived there. Removal of Kapilvastu and the surroundings was begun in 1899 and Kapilvastu was situated in 1901.
Appropriate unearthings were directed in 1967 and forward to the division of archaic exploration, His Majesty? Government (HMG). At this site, the auxiliary remains of the castle of Lord Suddhodana, and a few stupas were found. More imperative points of interest are yet to be uncovered after further unearthings. Kapilvastu is an imperative local place of Buddha where he put in his initial 29 years of life.
Kapilvastu is related to a few episodes of his life, for example, meeting the wiped-out individual, contemplation of Saint Asit, rivalry with Shakya youth, shooting of a bolt to make the spring of water spout out et cetera. At the point when Buddha got illumination in Bodhgaya at this place, 500 Shakyas and 8 sovereigns received Buddhism. At this place, he lectured his dad and Son Rahul moreover.
12. Terrified GARDEN
Lumbini is a position of the journey for Buddhists and a position of worship for peace admirers of any religious confidence all through the world. The focal point of fascination at Lumbini is the holy garden with Mayadevi Sanctuary portraying the introduction of Lord Buddha, the Ashokan column pinpointing the place of birth of the Buddha, and the Sakyan Tank where Mayadevi, the mother of the Buddha should have taken a plunge before delivering the child.
All around this heavenly site there are leftovers of religious communities and chaityas worked throughout the hundreds of years following the Buddha’s introduction to the world in 623 B.C. This site is beautiful to the point that you will be astonished and won’t let your eyes off this place.
13. The Marker Stone:
This stone aggregate found profoundly covered in the sanctum sanatorium pinpoints the correct area for the introduction of Lord Buddha. This was found after the fastidious removal of the Maya Devi Temple site in 1996. The correct size of the Marker Stone is 70×40×10 cm. This is presently secured with impenetrable glass.
14. The Nativity Sculpture:
The picture of Maya Devi otherwise called the Nativity form dated back to the fourth century AD, and portrays Maya Devi, holding the branch of a tree with her correct hand for help. Alongside her Gautami Prajapati, her particular sister, in supporting stance in the season of conveyance is standing. The recently conceived sovereign Siddhartha is standing upright on a Lotus platform, with two heavenly figures accepting him.
15. Tilaurakot:
The old capital of Sakya, Kapilvastu, has now been related to Tilaurakot, a site in ruins found 25 km west of Lumbini. The five times home of this walled city start in the eighth – 7h B.C. what’s more, ended in 2 d century A.D. Unearthings have uncovered the establishments of a fortification with safeguard divider, portals, religious communities, and stupas.
16. Araurakot:
Araurakot lies around 9 km upper east of Tilaurakot. P.C. Mukherji (1899) recognized it as the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha. It is a rectangular sustained region that contains a channel with piles of old remains.
17. Gotihawa:
Gotihawa lies 5 km southwest of Taulihawa town and is viewed as the natal town of Krakuchanda Buddha. The place has vestiges of antiquated homes, stupas, and religious communities. The place was gone to by Ashoka as confirmed by a column with engravings. The column is broken with the upper part absent.
18. Kudan:
Kudan is found 2 km southwest of Taulihawa on approach to Gotihawa. Gigantic basic remnants are demonstrating the destruction of cloisters and stupas with a tank close by.
19. Niglihawa:
Nighthawk, 7 km northwest of Tilaurakot, was another site went to by Ashoka and set apart with a column. The column is broken into two pieces. The standing base column has Ashokan engraving in Brahmi and the upper column has Devanagari* engraving stamping Ripu MaiWs visit in 1312 AD. There are vestiges of religious communities, stupas, and homes. It is distinguished as the antiquated town of Sobhawati, the origin of Kanakmuni Buddha
20. Sagarhawa:
Sagarhawa lies at 3.5 kin. north of Tilaurakot and west of Banganga river. It is a rectangular depression. Excavations done in 1896 traced seventeen stupas and large monuments made from well-burnt bricks. Findings of the casket and other rare antiquities indicate them to be votive stupas of the war dead. However, these stupas remain no more as they were excavated to their foundation without a restoration.
21. Devedaha:
Devedaha lies 34 km northeast of Lumbini near the village of Khairhani. The Kolya of Devadaha is considered a maternal tribe of Gautam Buddha. There are archaeological mounds near the village.
22. Ramgram:
Ramgram lies 4 km south of Paris town in Nawalparasi district. The remains of the stupa and monastery as mounds are beside the bank of the Jahari river in Kerwani village. The huge stupa mound is 30 ft high and 70 ft. in diameter. Koliyas of Ramagram are listed among the eight tribes that received the corporeal relics of the Buddha at Kushinagar.
With all of the above-mentioned attractions, Lumbini is considered one of the holiest places to visit for all Buddhists and Hindus. This site is equally popular among historians and other people who like to know about Buddhism and Lord Buddha more.
Other than structures, Lumbini is also known for the wide species of birds that roam around. It includes gaps, eagles, sarus cranes, and other various endangered animals. Apart from the Lumbini area, the nearby villages are also worth visiting. Understanding the lifestyle of the diverse people living around Lumbini can be a whole new experience.
Lastly, a trip to Lumbini can provide you with a whole new experience combining nature, culture, religion, and the very warm welcome of the local people. So, do not miss visiting this beautiful and peaceful place and gaining inner peace. You will never be disappointed with Lumbini.
Extra Things to do in Lumbini.
23. TRY INDIAN FOODS FROM STREET VENDORS
The best thing I like about traveling is the local food. I am a food Junkie and like to taste varieties of local food. If you are among the people who like to taste local street food instead of eating at McDonald’s while traveling, Lumbini might be a great place for you.
A sub-mixture of Indian/Nepali food in varieties of styles can be found in this region. Many street vendors are selling delicious homemade local food, mostly with Indian Flavor. Remember, Lumbini is right at the Indian Border. Hence, Indian food is common.
Most of the food you will find is vegetarian. Momo, Noodles, Curries, Pakauda, Samosa, Tikiya Chat, and Pani Puri are the most common. Order your food, sit for a while and enjoy the food. You won’t find Western Hygiene here but find the local taste.
24. RENT A BICYCLE AND EXPLORE RURAL TERRAIN
To get more inside the local culture, I normally try to explore rural parts in comparison to the modern town. A rental wheel on your own is the best way for sightseeing. Multiple options are available in Lumbini for sightseeing around major monasteries area.
You can use rickshaws for sightseeing other than a cab. Give it a try bicycle and burn fat instead of fuel. However, during summer it’s not recommended. The temperature can be more than 40 degrees Celsius during the daytime. Look around you in Lumbini, everyone is on a bicycle. Why?
Because the roads are flat and easy to ride, the weather is generously warm and traffic is minimal. Head for the country, look for quiet roads, there are many. As you ride you will pass by local huts, happy children yelling Namaste, mustard fields with yellow flowers, rice paddies, and occasional surprises.
It is farmland and friendly people, goats, buffalos, and oxen. You will see ancient agricultural methods still working! It’s a study of the past set in the present. You can rent a bicycle everywhere either on an hourly or daily basis for next to nothing. It’s cheap and provides pleasure, so go for it.
25. SIGN UP FOR A MEDITATION CLASS
Everyone in the 21st century is busy with their day-to-day life and likes to relax at least for a while during weekends. People normally practice meditation in many forms. Normally, I used to practice Tai Chi and listen to Tibetan Incarnation for meditation. Since I was running out of time, I couldn’t give it a try for meditation while I was in Lumbini.
However, you can spot some of those meditation centers inside the premises of Lumbini, go give it a try for next to nothing. Meditation is a major component of Buddhism. Yes, you might have practiced meditation classes in your own country, with either a little success or a lot of failures.
Then we give up. But when you are in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, this is the best place to try meditation. To assist you, there are several meditation centers run by Buddhist Monks. You can room and board there, become a part of that community and immerse yourself.
With all these attractions of Lumbini, the destination is visited by thousands of Buddhists and Hindu devotees from all around the world along with historians and tourists interested in Buddhist religion and culture.
Apart from the structures, the Lumbini area is also famous for the wide array of bird species found in its farmland and reservoirs including the Sarus crane, Indian spotted eagle, gyps, owls, and other endangered animals too.
People interested in trekking can also take the Lumbini circuit tour to visit the 64 scattered archaeological sites in the area. The trip to the villages in the surrounding areas also lets one experience and understand the lifestyles of the diverse ethnic people as one goes to the villages and indulges in the everyday lives, culture, and customs of the warm and friendly people.
The trip to Lumbini is a complete package-combining nature with the culture and religion and warm hospitality of the people making it a truly peaceful and spiritual experience.
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