Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha is in Nepal. People around the world know Buddha as the founder of Buddhism. And it is an established fact that Lumbini lies in Nepal and is a sacred spiritual site. And this was where the Buddha was born as the Shakya Prince Siddhartha Gautama of the Kapilvastu kingdom.
For spiritual travelers, Lumbini offers a myriad of positive vibrations in the surrounding atmosphere. It is not only the pilgrims and spiritual travelers but cultural travelers can also go on the Lumbini tour. We are going to talk about a few facts about Lumbini and its importance in spiritual and cultural tourism in Nepal.
Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha
The historical facts have proved that Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha although there is a lot of debate about it. There is a misconception that Buddha was born in India, especially because several pieces of historical literature mention India as the birthplace of Buddha.
There is a historical pillar called Ashoka Pillar near Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini that states the place as the birthplace of the Buddha. The powerful Maurya Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini in the 3rd Century BCE and identified the place as the birthplace of the Buddha.
Several other excavations were done in the place and other historical records have proven Lumbini to be the place where the Buddha was born.
There can be arguments and disputes about his birthplace, but all the historical facts loudly say it clearly that Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is in Nepal, not in India.
What is so important in Lumbini?
As the matter of fact, Lumbini is the sacred pilgrimage site for the followers of Buddhism. Apart from being a sacred pilgrimage site, Lumbini is also a spiritual and cultural site. The place offers a great experience of positive vibrations.
Maya Devi Temple – This temple is the main attraction of Lumbini. The temple got the name after Maya Devi – the mother of Buddha and has the exact spot where she gave birth to the little prince Siddhartha Gautama – later, the Buddha.
Pushkarini – Pushkarini is a sacred pond by the side of Maya Devi Temple. This pond is sacred because of the belief that Maya Devi took her first bath after giving birth to Prince Siddhartha.
Ashoka Pillar – This historical stone column also stands by the side of Maya Devi temple. This pillar identifies Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.
Monasteries – There are several monasteries in Lumbini. The monasteries represent different Buddhist cultural traditions in different countries around the world. Monasteries representing the cultural traditions of the countries like Thailand, Myanmar, China, Korea, etc. are in the area. Monasteries represent the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist cultural traditions around the world. The Theravada and Mahayana monasteries are in two different areas. The areas are separated by a sacred canal that connects World Peace Stupa to World Peace Flame.
Apart from these wonders, Lumbini also has a beautiful museum and many other cultural riches in the area. You can also find the ruins of ancient monasteries near the Maya Devi Temple.
Where is Lumbini?
Lumbini is 260 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu near the Nepal-India border. The place lies in the Rupandehi district of Province number 5 in Nepal. The nearby cities to Lumbini are Bhairahawa, Butwal, and the border town of Sunauli. You can also fly to Lumbini from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Now, Lumbini is not only the birthplace of Buddha but it is also a cultural heritage site on the UNESCO’s heritage list.
Lumbini has been attracting pilgrims, spiritual travelers, and cultural enthusiasts. This place has a huge significance in Nepal’s tourism industry. The country has promoted Lumbini as one of the most important sites to visit in Nepal. Promotional campaigns like Visit Lumbini Year 2012 have helped promote this place in the international tourism market.
Now, the newly-built international airport in Lumbini has made it even easier for pilgrims and tourists to visit the place.