Lumbini

Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC, is situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The nativity site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred spot.

Sacred Garden

Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Lumbini is being developed with international support as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. The Sacred Garden where the where the Buddha was born converges on the Ashoka pillar which carries an inscription identifying the spot as the birthplace. The serene tree-shaded lawn is dotted with brick mounds-ruins of ancient stupas and monasteries.

To one side of the pillar is the Mayadevi Temple, which houses a bas-relief depicting the nativity. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a "foot imprint" indicating the exact place of birth. The Puskarni pond where Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, had taken a bath before giving birth to him lies nearby.

Temples And Monasteries

As part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many countries have built or are building temples, monasteries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. The shrines, reflecting the architectural traditions of the respective countries, give Lumbini an "international feel" and enhance its message of universal friendship and brotherhood.

The Lokamani Cula Pagoda, a gleaming gold and white structure graceful soaring into the sky in the style of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, is one of the more impressive attractions. It is also known as the Myanmar Temple. Nearby, the International Gautami Nuns Temple is a fine replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu. There is also a guesthouse for pilgrims here.

The Nepal Buddha Temple and Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Bihar are located inside the Sacred Garden. A number of other countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Thailand are also erecting temples and monasteries.

Museums

The Lumbini Museum, located in the International Monastery Zone, contains mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts. It also possesses an extensive collection of stamps from various countries depicting  and the Buddha.

Lumbini International Research institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Jointly run by the Lumbini Development trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan. LIRI contains some 6,000 books on religion philosophy art and architecture. Residential facilities for scholars are available on the premises.Kapilvastu Museum is situated 24 km west of Lumbini in the village of Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. The museum also has a good collection of jewellery and other ornaments from that period. Open daily except Tuesdays and holidays, 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 15.

Tilaurakot

An important archaeological site lying to the west of Lumbini, Tilaurakot evokes the ancient palace of King Suddhodhan, Siddhartha Gautam's father, where the Buddha spent his formative years as a Shakya prince.

Around Lumbini

A 45-minute flight from Kathmandu will bring you to Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairawa; an industrial town situated 284 km to the southwest. From here, local buses leave regularly for Lumbini, 22 km away. Rick Shaw can be hired near the entrance to the Sacred Garden.There are daily flights and bus services from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. Visitors can stay in Bhairawa or at Lumbini itself.