Facts About Lumbini

Looking to learn exciting facts about Lumbini? You have come to the right place. This blog will explore various historical, cultural, and other facts about Lumbini. It will also provide you with deeper insights and knowledge about the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha.

Lumbini is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and non-Buddhist people, as it is one of the holiest places in Nepal. Thousands of tourists visit every year to learn the teachings of Lord Buddha. Similarly, many visitors come to see the ancient ruins and artifacts that date back to the time of Gautam Buddha. Many beautiful monasteries were built in different countries with their unique architectural style.

The entire area of Lumbini is 4.8 km in length and 1.6 km in width. The area lies a massive monastic zone of temples, sacred gardens, canals, and pools. There is also a bodhi tree and several meditation centers inside the area. Lumbini has three areas: the monastic zone, a cultural center, and a new Lumbini Village. Therefore, there is so much to explore and discover in Lumbini. 

Let us explore the various facts about Lumbini in detail.

Historical Facts About Lumbini

In 623 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama was born in the garden of Lumbini to Queen Maya Devi. It is believed that the queen gave him birth at the Maya Devi Temple. After 35 years, he gained enlightenment and became Lord Buddha. In the 3rd century, the Indian Emperor, King Ashoka, visited Lumbini and built a pillar as a tribute to Lord Buddha’s birthplace. However, foreign invaders invaded Lumbini in the 9th century, leaving the sacred spot forgotten for a long time.

In 1896, the Nepalese Army General Khadga Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and German archaeologist Dr. Alois Anton Führer rediscovered the Ashoka Pillar. This discovery played a significant role in confirming that Lumbini was the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Later 1996, another archeological find revealed a temple depicting Buddha’s life.

There are other crucial historical records supporting Lord Buddha’s birth in Lumbini. Chinese monk-pilgrims Faxian, who visited the site in the 7th century CE, and Xuanzang, who visited it in the 5th century CE, recorded their visit to this sacred place. These discoveries and historic records established Lumbini as a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.

In 1978, the government of Nepal and the United Nations launched a Lumbini Development Trust Project, which aimed to develop Lumbini as an important pilgrimage site. Then, in 1997, the UNESCO World Heritage Site included Lumbini in its list. It has helped Lumbini become recognized worldwide as a historical and cultural site.

Cultural And Religious Facts About Lumbini

The ancient temples and ruins in Lumbini date back to the 3rd century B.C.E. Hence, the place has immense cultural importance to Buddhists worldwide and Nepalese people.

The sacred Maya Devi Temple marks Lord Buddha’s birthplace, and the Ashoka pillar, dating back to 249 B.C.E., proves this. The pillar is an important archeological artifact as it has an ancient inscription on it. Over 30 monasteries by various Buddhist countries have been built in Lumbini. Each monastery represents each country’s unique architecture and cultural heritage. The addition of these monasteries has helped to increase Lumbini’s cultural significance.

Lumbini is also a spiritual place. Many travelers worldwide visit to learn Buddha’s teachings and gain enlightenment. Many monasteries within the ground hold daily prayers and meditation programs. Likewise, there are meditation centers in the Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. One can also meditate under the Bodhi Tree.

Each monastery also holds rituals and ceremonies during a monthly full moon, special dates, and anniversaries. Travelers can explore these monasteries and take the spiritual experience from one of the meditation centers within the premises. Therefore, visiting Lumbini helps you uncover the cultural and spiritual facts about Lumbini.

Read More: Traveling in Nepal and its attractions

Must-Know Facts: Top Attractions Of Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple is the main temple in the heart of Lumbini. Pilgrims believe it is the birth location where the queen gave birth to Lord Buddha. A marker stone and an ancient sculpture inside the temple testify to this fact. The temple premises have a sacred pool called Puskarni or Maya Devi Pond and a garden.

King Ashoka built the Maya Devi Temple around 249 B.C. during his visit to Lumbini. The marker stone and the sculpture from the site also date back to the 3rd century BC. The stone marks the exact birth spot of Gautama Buddha. Similarly, the ancient sculpture depicts Queen Maya Devi holding a Sal tree during delivery and her sister Mahapajapati Gotami supporting her. During your Lumbini visit, you must visit the Maya Devi Temple, observe the marker stone and sculpture, and explore the sacred pond and garden.

Ashoka Pillar

The third Mauryan Indian Emperor, Ashoka, was one of the greatest followers of Lord Buddha. He visited Lumbini in 249 B.C. and erected an inscribed sandstone pillar here. It is a 6-meter-high pink sandstone pillar and the oldest inscription in Nepal. The Ashoka pillar is the only evidence of his visit to the birthplace of Buddha and his conversion to Buddhism.

There is only one Ashoka Pillar in Nepal, but twenty pillars remain, most of which are in India. The pillar in Lumbini stands right next to the Maya Devi Temple. The inscriptions on the pillar are in Brahmi script and Pali language. In 2016, the Digital Archaeology Foundation preserved the Ashoka Pillar digitally.

Monastic Site

The Lumbini monastic site is a massive area with several monasteries and temples. Due to its large area, it has two areas: an East Monastic Zone and a West Monastic Zone. The monasteries within the East Monastic Zone represent Theravada Buddhism from the Hinayana School of Buddhism. Likewise, the West Monastic Zone houses monasteries that reflect Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhism.

The East Monastic Zone includes monasteries and Vipassana centers from Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Similarly, there are 14 monasteries in the West Monastic Zone and two Vipassana centers. There are monasteries from Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Austria, Germany, etc. Each monastery is unique and has an intriguing architectural design. Hence, it is a must-visit place in Lumbini.

Lumbini Museum

The Lumbini Museum is on the premises of the Sacred Garden. World-famous Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed it. The museum showcases Siddhartha Gautam’s birth and stories of his youth. It also showcases his path to enlightenment and his return to Kapilvastu.

Around 12,000 artifacts, including terracotta figurines, stone sculptures, coins, etc. Most of the rediscovered artifacts in Lumbini’s archeological finds date back to the 6th century B.C.E. and 3rd century C.E. The Lumbini Museum offers visitors deep knowledge about Buddha’s life and teaching.

Eternal Peace Flame

The eternal peace flame lies at Lumbini’s southern end of the canal. It is right in the center of the Lumbini Garden, next to a pool. The external peace flame came to life in 1986 to celebrate the Global Year of Peace. The flame was brought from the United States of America. Since 1986, the eternal peace flame has symbolized world peace, harmony, and unity.

Accommodation In Lumbini

Lumbini is an urban city, so you will find various accommodations that fit your preferences and budget. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, there are plenty of choices for accommodations in Lumbini. They provide various services, including internet, heating facilities, modern amenities, etc. Similarly, you can easily find single rooms with attached bathrooms. There are many accommodations close to Lumbini’s main sites.

Several monasteries inside the Monastic zones also offer accommodation to pilgrims and travelers. They provide only basic facilities, but it is a unique experience. You will get to indulge in the tranquil and peaceful environment of the monastery. Likewise, residential retreat centers offer accommodation to those participating in meditation and spiritual and educational programs.

Best Time To Visit Lumbini

You must choose the right season to enhance your experience of visiting Lumbini. Nepal experiences four seasons annually, and each season has distinct characteristics. Spring and autumn have the best weather and climatic conditions for traveling and touring Nepal. Summer and Winter also offer a unique perspective. Take a look at the brief of each season:

Spring (March to May)

Spring has one of the best weather, with sunny and clear days. The daylight is longer, so you will have a longer time to enjoy your tour. The flowers in Lumbini’s sacred garden and surroundings are in full bloom, adding to the beauty of the serene atmosphere of the pilgrimage site. Buddha Jayanti, the birth date of Lord Buddha, also falls during April and May. Hence, Buddhists worldwide also visit Lumbini at this time to celebrate the festival. You can participate in the festive celebration and enjoy exploring Lumbini. 

The temperatures during spring look as follows: 

Summer (June to August)

The summer season begins in June, and the temperature starts to rise. Since Lumbini lies in the lower Terai region, it gets hot and humid. The temperature can get hot and intense during the daytime, but it is cooler in the morning and evening, so it is best to take a tour now. Since the summer season coincides with the monsoon, it also rains a lot at this time. There are fewer visitors in Lumbini during this time, so you can experience a peaceful time exploring. 

The temperatures during summer look as follows: 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn falls in the post-monsoon season, from September to November. As a result, the sky is clear, with excellent visibility. Autumn offers great scenery of the majestic monasteries, temples, and vibrant landscapes. The temperature also gradually begins to cool, offering a great touring experience at this time. You can enjoy the best sunrise and sunset views during autumn in Lumbini.

The temperatures during autumn look as follows: 

Winter (December to February)

As winter begins in December, the temperature starts to drop significantly. The humidity is high even at this time of year. However, the weather is cold, and the mornings are foggy. The fog restricts visibility, and morning flights are likely to be delayed. The fog usually clears up by late morning. You can enjoy touring Lumbini in cool temperatures. Moreover, there are also fewer crowds, so if you prefer cool weather and a quiet tour, winter is the best time.

The temperatures during winter look as follows: 

Conclusion

Lumbini is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees all around the world. It is also visited by non-Buddhist visitors who want to learn about Lord Buddha’s life and teachings. Lumbini is of historical, cultural, and religious importance to all Nepalese. The different monasteries and temples within the premises symbolize world peace and harmony.

These were some of the crucial facts about Lumbini. Visiting Lumbini is a great way to connect with your inner spirituality. The serene atmosphere allows you to learn more about Buddhism. Similarly, you can travel back in time while observing the ancient ruins and artifacts. It is an extraordinary experience, and you must visit Lumbini at least once!