Lumbini

Lumbini
Lumbini is the place where the Gautama Buddha was born. The exact year of his birth is strongly disputed, with possible dates ranging from the 11th to the 6th century BC. The town of Lumbini is one of the four holy places in Buddhism: the sites of his birth, enlightenment, first discourse, and death. All of these occurred outside, in nature.

The site remained neglected for centuries. Only in 1895 it was rediscovered by a German archaelogist. A temple and a bathing pool are believed to be originals from the era of Buddhas birth.

Year Decision Comments
1997 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1993DeferredBureau - better info required on conservation measures etc



Visit March 2001

On my tour of the south of Nepal I travelled from Chitwan (Sauraha) to Lumbini by public buses. A Japanese guy and I were dumped at the roadside, amidst flat agricultural lands and some forest. 'This is Lumbini', they told us. It's a quiet area, natural in outlook and with its temples hidden from first sight.

The actual site is quite small: a few excavations and a large tree, that is all to see. Still it is a very serene place. Since a few years several Buddhist Asian countries are building their own temples and monasteries around the original site (according to the "Lumbini Masterplan" by a Japanese architect). They try to surpass each other in beauty. The very different building styles make for an ecclectic view.



More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

Reviews

rakesh (nepal):
Being a nepali citizen i am proudful to introduce myself as a person from the country of Lord buddha. Many foreigners know us and our country by the name of Lord Buddha. From the present context of view many tourists come to Nepal to visit particularly this place only. Through this visit they provide an employment opportunities to many poor peoples. I visited this place on the year 2008 recently and asked a rikshaw wala about his earning and he replied me that he hardly get a costumer in 2 days and can earn about rs 300 to Rs 700 on the same day. So we should thank to lord buddha and the visitors due to whome many people are sustaining their life. It is a nice place to visit. Thanku.
Date posted: June 2008
Stephen Brooker (UK):
Arriving in a rather exhausted tour group, who jokingling kept calling it 'Budhist Bethlehem,' wasn't the most promising start to my visit.

However once off the bus the atmosphere and emotional power of this site took over. A serenity descended on everyone as we walked into the park, which evolved into a hushed revernce when we came to the Lord Buddhas birthplce.

By the time we left everyone seemed inspired and rejuvenated.

I would highly recomend this site, it's quiet, beautiful and a moving experience, which will remain a treasured memory for the rest of your life.

By the
Date posted: April 2008
Rankoth Gedera, P (Canada (Born and raised in Sri Lanka)):
I've been to the birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal, 1998. What I noticeably experienced was, calmed, quiet and natural feelings, and tranquillity of mind. I was so lucky to visit all the four sacred places: the Birth(Lumbini, Napal), the Enlightenment(Boddhagaya, India), the First discourse/sermon(Varanasi, India), and the Maha parinibbana/death of physical body(Kushinagar, India) of the Buddha. The feeling when visiting these four sacred places, cannot be expressed in words. You need to be there and feel how it is.
 
Mary ():
i found it inspiring,picturesque and sereal.though from others point of view they found it looks just quite plain, i found it was simple but its simplicity is unique for something so historic,it makes you feel special too.
 
Bobbi Siegmann (USA):
Visited Lumbini in October 2001(very warm in October!) with group of Buddhist pilgrims led by the Ven. Robina Courtin. A little shrine with some statues, excavations. One of Ashok's pillars is there. We conducted a puja under one of the large trees there. Went on to Nalanda,Kushinigar, Ragir, Bodhgaya, Varanasai & Sarnath. a month after 9/11 we were praying for peace at all these holy & historical sites.
 


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