Lumbini: The birthplace of Gautam Buddha
Lumbini: The birthplace of Gautam Buddha is one of the holiest places of one of the world’s great religions and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from as early as the 3rd century BC. Lumbini is being developed with international support as the supreme pilgrimage and a symbol of World Peace. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as well as a place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout the world. The main attraction remains the sacred garden spread over 8 sq km and possessing the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monuments of Nepal, the Ashoka pillar that commemorates Ashoka’s pilgrimage to the sacred site some 250 BC.
As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, testified by the inscription on the Asoka pillar, the sacred area in Lumbini is one of the holiest and significant places for one of the world’s great religions. The archaeological remains of the Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD, provide important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period. The property site is protected by the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956. The site management is carried out by the Lumbini Development Trust, an autonomous and non-profit making organization. The entire property is owned by the Government of Nepal.
Lumbini is one of the most popular magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha.
