Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

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 Mayadevi_Temple_in_Lumbini / Image credit

Located in the Rupandehi District in Nepal, Lumbini is the spiritual centre of Buddhism. For Buddhists, a visit to this Buddhist site is one the most important religious and spiritual journeys of their life. The reason is not far to seek. It was in Lumbini that the Buddha, one of history’s greatest teachers, was born. Its central temple, Maya Devi Temple, is an obligatory stop on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Unsurprisingly this UNESCO World Heritage–listed site is a huge drawcard for the Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.

Lumbini is one of the four main sacred sites of the Buddhist religion. Other three are Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar - all located in India. 

Apart from the Maya Devi Temple, many monasteries and temples of various Buddhist traditions dot the town, built in their national style by foreign Buddhist communities. 

Maya Devi Temple 
The spiritually important Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama, who later came to be known as the Buddha after he attained enlightenment, was born to Queen Maya Devi. On the south of the temple is the holy pond where Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to the Buddha. Adjacent to the area are ancient ruins of brick stupas and the Ashokan pillar and a sacred Bodhi tree under which maroon robed monks from different parts of the world congregate to offer prayers and mediate. 

World Peace Pagoda

The brilliant white World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini is one of the several pagodas built by the Japanese Buddhists. Built in 2001 at a cost of US$1 million, the pagoda houses a shining golden statue representing the posture the Buddha took when he was born. 

  


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