Wonderful Lumbini
Pilgrimage has always been a prominent aspect of organised religion. It is common for devotees of all major religions to participate in pilgrimages as an expression of deep faith, from the Muslim Haj to Catholic pilgrimages to the Vatican.
Similarly, Buddhists believe that by going on pilgrimage to power places where the Buddha or other holy being has resided or performed enlightened actions, one receives powerful blessing from the spiritual energies imbued therein. In addition to having powerful spiritual imprints embedded in one’s mind stream, pilgrimages can even open up one’s merits from previous lives.
These benefits and much more serve to fuel one’s spiritual practice. Thus, having recognised the significance of going on pilgrimage, serious Buddhist practitioners will make the time and effort to journey to sacred sites infused with holy energies to gain powerful blessings and to create the causes to meet and receive teachings from the future Buddha, Maitreya.
Before He passed into Mahaparinirvana, Buddha Shakyamuni recommended that pious disciples should visit four power places in particular, which are:
- Lumbini where He was born;
- Bodhgaya, where He attained Supreme Enlightenment;
- Deer Park in Sarnath, where He gave His first sermon known in Sanskrit as the Dharmacakrapravartana (Turning the Wheel of Dharma Sutra); and
- Kushinagar, where He passed into Mahaparinirvana.
According to the Buddhist scriptures, the Buddhas of the past appeared at these four locations and the Buddhas of the future will do so as well, to perform their enlightened actions.
The Significance of Lumbini
Apart from the generic benefits of pilgrimage, visiting the Buddha’s birthplace creates the karma to gain control of one’s future rebirths, and also creates the causes to be born in pleasant places where we will have the right conditions and opportunities to practise Dharma.
Thus, it is not surprising that an impressive number of pilgrims from all schools of Buddhism and visitors from around the globe throng to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.
A Brief History
Buddha Shakyamuni was born Prince Siddhartha Gautama to King Suddhodana of the Shakya clan, ruler of the kingdom of Kapilavastu and his wife, Queen Maya Devi in the gardens of Lumbini.
According to Buddhist literature, Buddha Shakyamuni’s journey to greatness began with Queen Maya Devi’s auspicious dreams. She vividly dreamt of being carried away by four devas (spirits) to Lake Anotatta in the Himalayas.
At the lake, the devas bathed her carefully, clothed her in heavenly garments, anointed her with perfumes, and bedecked her with divine flowers. Thereafter, a white elephant appeared holding a white lotus flower in its trunk and went around her three times before entering her womb through her right side.
Queen Maya Devi believed this dream contained an important message because the elephant is a symbol of greatness in Nepal. Upon consulting with wise men, the royal couple were elated to discover that the dream was in fact an auspicious omen that Queen Maya Devi would be giving birth to a great leader.
Ten months after her dream, Queen Maya Devi journeyed to her maternal home to give birth as per the local customs then. While passing through Lumbini Park, she craved a bath and proceeded to the Puskarini Pond (Sacred Pond) to do so. Shortly after, she went into labour and gave birth to a beautiful baby prince, whilst standing and holding onto the branch of a nearby Sal tree for support.
As soon as he was born, the infant prince took seven steps and at each step, a lotus blossomed under his foot. At the seventh step, He then proclaimed that this birth would be his last.
About Lumbini
Lumbini and its environs have been sites of pilgrimage for centuries. The Greater Lumbini Area covers 5,260 sq km and comprises of the Rupandehi, Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu districts in the southern plains of western Nepal. They boast many archaeological and religious sites relevant to Buddha Shakyamuni’s life, including his birthplace, Lumbini.
Map of the Greater Lumbini Area
Lumbini is located in the Rupandehi district (Terai region) close to the Indian border of Sunauli. In general, Lumbini is warm and temperate unlike the rest of Nepal and enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. This means that for most of the year, Lumbini remains warm with summer typically being very hot and humid. Winter starts in October and stretches until mid-February with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 23°C. Temperatures rarely drop below 5°C even at night.
Despite historical evidence of Lumbini being the Buddha’s birthplace — from the commemorative pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka marking his pilgrimage to Lumbini in 249 BC to descriptive recordings of Lumbini by subsequent travellers such as the Chinese pilgrims Seng-Sai and Faxian Hien during the 4th century and Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century, the sacred place received little upkeep.
Compounding the deterioration was the 9th century destruction by Muslim and Hindu invaders alike. Prior to the site remaining in oblivion for centuries, the last recorded visit appears to be that of Ripu Malla, King of the Malla Kingdom, in 1312 AD as evidenced by inscriptions recording his visit and prayers.
Rediscovery of the Ashokan Pillar in 1896
The rediscovery of the Ashokan Pillar in 1896 by archaeologist Antan Fuhrer and Khadga Shamsher, the Governor of Palpa, marked the start of modern archaeological and restoration efforts in Lumbini.
This culminated in many initiatives including the enactment of the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956 which afforded much protection to archaeological sites and also the 1978 Kenzo Tange Master Plan, which is the primary blueprint for Lumbini to be developed into a major pilgrimage centre.
In 1997, Lumbini was included in UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites as the place where Buddha Shakyamuni was born in 623 BC.
About the Lumbini Project Area
The Kenzo Tange Master Plan demarcates the Lumbini Project Area into three zones, namely, the Sacred Garden, the Monastic Zone and the New Lumbini Village. The Lumbini Project Area was brought under government ownership in the 1970s and works based on the Master Plan commenced in 1978. In 1985, the Lumbini Development Trust took over the implementation of the master plan as well as the overall development of Lumbini, and the Buddhist sites of Kapilavastu, Devadaha and Ramagrama.
Lumbini Project Area
The Sacred Garden
The Sacred Garden is a quaint 2.56 sq km garden area that encompasses the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, the Pushkarini Pond and the remains of several ancient buildings. Meditating pilgrims, particularly in the area surrounding the bodhi tree, are a common sight. It is also common to see visitors wandering about taking in the serene and rustic scenery.
Grounds of the Sacred Garden
The Maya Devi Temple
Reopened on 16th May 2017 on the occasion of Buddha Shakyamuni’s 2547th birth anniversary, the Maya Devi Temple is literally a structure layered with history. To illustrate, the inner sanctum of the temple, which bore witness to Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, dates back to 263 BC whilst the ground floor contains remnants of the temple’s 3rd century foundations.
In fact, some of the brickworks inside the ruins have been found to date back to 300BCE which technically makes it the oldest known structure in Nepal. In 2013, a simple outer temple was built over the site of the original temple to mark the spot where Buddha Shakyamuni was born. Photography within the outer temple is strictly prohibited.
Exterior of the Maya Devi Temple
Interior of the Maya Devi Temple
Two important objects of reverence are housed in the Maya Devi Temple. One is the Marker Stone, which is a 70cm x 40cm x 10cm stone conglomerate that pinpoints the exact birth spot of the Buddha. Although deeply buried, the Marker Stone was found during the excavation of the original Maya Devi Temple in 1996, at the exact location and orientation mentioned by Hiuen Tsang in his account of his travels.
The other is a 4th century artistic depiction of Queen Maya Devi giving birth to Prince Siddhartha. Dubbed the Nativity Sculpture, it is believed to have been a gift from King Ripu Malla.
The Marker Stone which pinpoints the exact birthplace of Buddha Shakyamuni
Close up of the Marker Stone
Nativity Sculpture in the Maya Devi Temple
The Ashokan Pillar
The tall slender chimney-like Ashokan Pillar carries the oldest inscription found in Nepal. Whilst it is not clear if Emperor Ashoka erected the pillar himself or if it was built for him at the people’s initiative, the inscriptions on the pillar confirm his visit to Lumbini in 249 BC. Prayer flags from the faithful currently adorn the small protective fence surrounding the Ashokan Pillar, which stands just beside the Maya Devi Temple.
The Ashokan Pillar
The Puskarini Pond (Sacred Pond)
Sandwiched between the Bodhi Tree and the Maya Devi Temple is the Puskarini Pond which Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed in before giving birth to Prince Siddhartha. Concrete lining now surrounds the pond to prevent water damage to the adjacent ruins.
The Puskarini Pond also known as Sacred Pond
The Monastic Zone
Opposite the entrance way into the Maya Devi Temple is a long straight path which leads to the Monastic Zone. At the start of this central canal is an eternal flame symbolising lasting peace, which was officiated in 1986 by Prince Gyanendra Shah.
Different monasteries within the Monastic Zone
The Monastic Zone is divided into the Western Monastic Zone and the Eastern Monastic Zone. The Western Monastic Zone is dedicated to Mahayana and Vajrayana centres and monasteries, including:
- Panditarama Lumbini International Vipassana Meditation Center
- European-Austrian Temple (Switzerland)
- Drubgyud Choling (Nepal)
- Daesung Sukgasa (Korea)
- Sokyo Gompa (Japan)
- Linh Son Monastery (France)
- Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa (Germany)
- Vietnam Phat Quoc Tulam Ty Ni (Vietnam)
- Zhong Hua Monastery (China)
The Eastern Monastic Zone houses the Theravadan monasteries, including:
- Royal Thai Monastery (Thailand)
- Lokamani Gula Pagoda (Golden Temple) of Myanmar
- Sri Lankan Monastery (Sri Lanka)
A visit to the Monastic Zone allows pilgrims and tourists to appreciate how Buddhist architecture varies between different countries. Most temples are open from 6 am to 6.30 pm and close between 12 noon to 2 pm.
New Lumbini Village
The northern part of the master plan is being developed as the New Lumbini Village, where visitors can find comfortable hotels and restaurants offering all necessary facilities. Currently, the World Peace Pagoda of Japan and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary are the two main attractions in the New Lumbini Village.
The grand World Peace Pagoda
The grand World Peace Pagoda sits at the end of a long path, near a lovely pond, and houses a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the posture he assumed when he was born. The construction was sponsored by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji organisation.
Around the corner from the World Peace Pagoda are wetlands inhabited by the rare Sarus crane. These red-necked and headed birds are protected, as is the sanctuary. Sadly, in recent times, there have been reports of a rapid decline in crane sightings, and some even claim that the cranes no longer populate the sanctuary.
Festivals
One of the major annual festivals held in Lumbini is the celebration of Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima. This usually takes place on the full moon night of Vaisakha, which usually falls in April or May according to the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the three most important events in Buddha Shakyamuni’s life, namely, His birth, the day He attained Enlightenment and the day He passed into clear light. Buddha Jayanti is not merely a festival but also serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings.
Meritorious activities normally carried out during the festivities include prayer meets, sermons on the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, animal liberations, food offerings, light offerings and much more.
What To Do
Upon setting foot on such sacred lands, it is extremely meritorious for pilgrims to set the proper motivation. Instead of entertaining samsaric thoughts, pilgrims should contemplate on the significance of these holy sites especially in relations to their own spiritual paths, and reflect upon how fortunate they are to be able to step on the same ground where the Buddha and other holy beings once dwelled.
Other meritorious activities which can be engaged in to maximise the benefits of pilgrimage include:
- Making prostrations to holy images or relics of enlightened beings.
- Making generous offerings of incense, flowers, food, khatas, robes, etc. to sacred Buddha images or monuments of religious significance.
- Engaging in single-pointed meditation on the breath or cultivating awareness of body, speech and mind.
- Engaging in prayers or pujas such as the Guru Yoga of Lama Tsongkhapa, which contains the blessings of the Buddhas Manjushri, Chenrezig and Vajrapani.
- Circumambulating holy images, relics or monuments as much as possible while reciting mantras. While doing this, it is important to be aware and mindful not to disturb others who may be engaging in meditation or retreat.
- Engaging in other preliminary practices such as mantra recitation, mandala offering or other rituals for which one has received the necessary teachings, permissions or initiations.
- At the end of these virtuous activities, it is very auspicious to dedicate the merits generated with the recitation of the King of Prayers as advised by His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche.
It is also very good to bear in mind the following Do’s and Don’ts when visiting holy places.
Do’s
- Be modestly and properly attired to show respect.
- Be mindful of others and keep idle talk to the minimum.
- Maintain the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
- Observe the rules and regulations, especially restrictions on flash photography.
Don’ts
- Don’t climb onto statues or other sacred objects.
- Don’t buy artefacts or antiques that may be against the laws of that country.
Getting There
Getting to Lumbini is easy although it may not always be straight forward, short, or direct depending on your point of origin.
By Plane
The nearest airport to Lumbini is Gautam Buddha Airport, also known as Bhairahawa Airport, which is about 20 minutes’ drive from the Lumbini Project Area. There are daily flights to and from Kathmandu and the flight duration is about 35 minutes. There are also occasional promotional flights from Pokhara to Bhairahawa by certain airlines, but such promotions are uncommon.
By Train
The closest train station is at Nautanwa, India with the Indian Railway network offering passenger services. Unfortunately passenger trains are infrequent on this line. Alternatively, visitors can hop on the Mahaparinirvan Express tourist train which stops in Gorakhpur, and the journey to Lumbini can be completed by road.
By Bus
Getting to Lumbini by bus is the most popular method. There are essentially two types of bus;
- A tourist bus with regular-sized seats, or
- A local bus with small seats. These buses are much older and not as comfortable.
Route: Kathmandu – Lumbini
There are tourist and local bus services running between Lumbini (just outside Lumbini Bazaar) and Kathmandu (Kalanki Micro-Bus Stand). There are also hourly local buses departing from the junction in Bhairahawa to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 8 to 9 hours. The tourist bus fare is around 1000 rupees while the fare for a local bus ranges from 500 to 750 rupees.
You can also head to the main station in Bhairahawa. Fares for tourist buses from Lumbini to Bhairahawa cost between 500 to 600 rupees whilst a local bus costs about 50 rupees.
There are also mini-vans departing hourly from Kalanki to Bhairahawa, which costs around 800 rupees.
Route: Pokhara – Lumbini
One option is to take the Mountain Overland Pokhara tourist bus to Bhairahawa, which takes about 7 to 8 hours. A transfer to a local bus is required for the last 30 minutes of the journey to Lumbini. Alternatively, take an hourly local bus from Pokhara’s old bus park to Bhairahawa, which takes slightly longer and costs about 600 rupees.
There are two direct buses serving the route from Lumbini (bus park) to Pokhara. The first departure is at 6.45am and costs 650 rupees. The second non-air-conditioned bus departs at 5.45pm and costs 530 rupees. Depending on road conditions in Mugling, the driver may take the Jalpa route which is very scenic but has many winding mountain roads, stretching the travel time to 9 hours.
Route: Chitwan – Lumbini
There are daily tourist buses from Chitwan’s tourist bus park to Bhairahawa which takes about 4 to 5 hours and costs 500 rupees. Hop off at Lumbini Chowk and catch a local bus to Lumbini Bazaar for 50 rupees.
From Lumbini, take a local bus to Bhairahawa then transfer to a bus bound for Narayanghat (en route to Kathmandu). From Narayanghat, take a local bus or taxi to Chitwan (Sauraha).
Accommodation
While searching for accommodation in Lumbini, it is important to keep in mind that the weather can get very hot and power outages are common. Thus, accommodation with working air-conditioning or fans is vital during the hot summers and mosquito netting is highly recommended for the monsoon season.
Buddha Maya Gardens Hotel
Situated in Lumbini, this hotel is a 3-minute (5 km) drive from the Lumbini Museum, Ashokan Pillar, and Maya Devi Temple. Operated by the Kathmandu Guest House Group, it offers more than most in the area with a pleasant garden and close proximity to the Lumbini Development Zone.
Address: Lumbini Sanskritik 32900, Nepal
Phone: +977 985 5058813
Website: https://ktmgh.com/buddha-maya-garden-hotel/
Lumbini Bamboo Resort
As its name suggests, this resort adopts a bamboo-style exterior and is relatively clean. It provides free wifi and is located near the temple/monastery compound.
Address: Lumbini Sanskritik 32900, Nepal
Phone: +977 71 580310
Hotel Peace Palace Nepal
This hotel is located close to the airport as well as the main entrance of the Lumbini Monastic Zone, and tourist buses are allowed to drop-off and pick-up at the hotel’s entrance. The staff are quite helpful and informative, and can even assist with bus ticket bookings. The breakfast spread is said to be good too.
Address: Vishnupura Road, Lumbini Sanskritik, 32900 Nepal
Phone: +977 71 580286 / 580210
Website: http://www.hotelpeacepalacenepal.com/aboutus.php
Siddhartha Guesthouse
Located just 0.5 km from the Buddha’s birth place, Siddhartha Guest House provides 24-hour front desk service and free WiFi access for the convenience of guests. The attached bathrooms are equipped with a shower and complimentary toiletries are provided. Staff are quite accommodating and the hotel offers free luggage storage.
Address: Lankapur, 32914 Rummindei, Nepal
Phone: +977 98 57013001
Lumbini Village Lodge
This budget lodge has comfortable and clean rooms with fans and insect-screened windows, and a cool central courtyard shaded by a mango tree. Situated in Lumbini, it is approximately 2km from the Ashokan Pillar and Maya Devi Temple.
Address: Lumbini Bazaar, Madhubani, 32900 Nepal
Phone: +977 71 580432
Sources/References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumbini
- http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/culture/lumbini-past-present-future/kenzo-tange-master-plan-for-lumbini/
- http://lumbini.planetwebnepal.com/?page_id=468
- https://books.google.com.my/books?id=naohAgAAQBAJ
- https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lumbini-weather-averages/np.aspx
- http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/culture/lumbini-past-present-future/lumbini-unesco-world-heritage-site/
- http://www.unesco.org/new/en/kathmandu/culture/lumbini-the-birthplace-of-lord-buddha/
- http://www.unesco.org/new/index.php?id=66086
- http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/i/019pho0001007s3u00634000.html
- https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-guides/nepal/ashokan-pillar-lumbini-nepal.html
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/eternal-peace-flame-in-lumbini/
- http://www.imnepal.com/buddha-jayanti-festival-in-nepal-buddha-purnima/
- https://www.welcomenepal.com/places-to-see/lumbini-nepal-birthplace-of-buddha.html
For more interesting information:
- Wonderful Nepal
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 1
- 8 Holy Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites – Part 2
- Must visit Bodhgaya – The Navel of the World
- Pilgrimage Through India & Nepal
- Wonderful Japan – Tokyo
- Wonderful Korea – Jeju
- Wonderful Bhutan
- Pilgrimage to Sarnath, Varanasi
- Important Sites of Buddhist Pilgrimage – Kushinagar, India
- Avalokiteshvara in Sri Lanka
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura
- Wonderful Cambodia
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery the beautiful
- Power Place: Jog Falls
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Finally did make a pilgrimage to Lumbini sometime last year November with friend’s family. We went there with no hitch at all. Feeling wonderful been able to see for myself after heard so much about this Holy place. Going on pilgrimage to power places where the Buddha or other holy being has resided or performed enlightened actions are always on my list . Glad I made it to the four power places, Kushinagar, Deer Park in Sarnath, Bodhgaya,and Lumbini to gain powerful blessings and to create the causes. The place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the Buddha’s birthplace, one of the world’s most important spiritual sites and attracts hundred thousands Buddhist pilgrims from around the world yearly. Reading this article recalling great memories of my pilgrimage there.
Thank you Rinpoche and Cindy for this wonderful post . Good to know it for anyone planning a pilgrimage to these Holy place.
A Pilgrimage to Lumbini, will be wonderful as that where the Buddha’s birthplace and get connected and make a good aspiration.There are many impressive beautiful structures and beautiful Sacred temples to see.
Visiting Lumbini, the Buddha’s birth place creates the karma to have control of our own rebirth and the causes to be born in pleasant places where we will have the right conditions and opportunities to practice Dharma.Thank you for the wonderful article.
Lumbini -Buddha’s birthplace – is one of the four power places that Lord Buddha had recommended one should visit. Going on a pilgrimage to Lumbini brings powerful blessings as well as having powerful imprints embedded in one’s mindstream. It creates the cause for meeting and receiving teachings from the future Buddha, Maitreya and also the causes to be born in pleasant places where we will have the right conditions and opportunities to practise the Dharma.
There are many activities that pilgrims can engage in and pilgrims should maximise the benefits by participating in these activities . These include -making prostrations, making geenrous offerings, engaging in single-pointed meditation, engaging in prayers or pujas, circumambulating holy images and reciting mantras as well as making mandala offerings. One should engage in these activities with proper motivation and be focused on contemplating on these holy sites in relation to one’s spritual path.
How wonderful and blessed to step on the same ground where the Buddha took his first steps and where he and other holy beings once dwelt! I would love to go on a pilgrimage to Lumbini, the only one of the four places I have not visited.
When we have decided to go on pilgrimages, we should think that we visit these holy places is for the betterment of our spiritual practice. We create the cause to make the connection with the blessed places that may help us in the spiritual path to enlightenment.
Visiting Lumbini, the Buddha’s birth place creates the karma to have control of our own rebirth and the causes to be born in pleasant places where we will have the right conditions and opportunities to practise Dharma. As such, when we go to these places, we should show reverence, make offerings and aspirational prayers and dedicate to our guru, parents, relatives as well as all sentient beings.
Thank you Rinpoche and Cindy sharing this nice and inspiring article about the Buddha’s birth place. I humbly wish that I have an opportunity to pay visits to Lumbini and Bodhgaya.
Very beautiful and interesting pictures of Lubini. Feeling so blessed to be able to see pictures of the interior place where Buddha was born. Normally we can’t get to see the interior pictures of this place. Thank you very much Rinpoche and Cindy for sharing this article.?
The Buddha recommended the practice of making pilgrimages as an important part of lives in every Buddhists. The journey must make with faithful and sincere hearts that will benefits in one’s spiritual growth. We should remind ourselves pilgrims are supposed to practice the Buddha values of Right Speech, Right Action and Right Thought. It is meant to train the mind and elevate our spirit to follow the footsteps of Buddha, achieve enlightenment.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for putting Buddha Maya Garden Hotel, KGH GROUP, as one of your recommended hotel. I will forever be humbled by your gestures and forever be thankful to the entire team of Kechara. Thank you once again.
Rajan Sakya
Lumbini is really a must for Buddhist to visit, at least once during our lifetimes. Where the buddha upon being born walked 7 steps and said this is my last rebirth.
For any place that a Buddha appears and operates from it is very blessed especially for the key events in Buddha’s life.
Thank you Cindy for sharing so much details on Lumbini. This is definitely a must go for many Buddhists. In my bucket list for sure !!
Made all the plans to go a few years ago with some Dharma brothers and sisters. We waited at the Kathmandu airport for 2 half days but was unsuccessful due to bad weather and the planes couldn’t take off !!
Lumbini and Bodhgaya are definitely two places I wish very much to visit.
One of the world’s most important spiritual sites is home to the historic birthplace of the Buddha. Today there are over 25 international Buddhist monasteries. Many Buddhists travel from all over the world to study Buddhism, meditate or simply visit Buddha’s birthplace itself within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens all year round! Mayadevi Temple is one of the important sites in the Lumbini Garden with many historians and archaeologists referring to it as the place of birth of Lord Buddha. Inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar also refers the spot as his birthplace. It is said that here the newly born Prince took his first seven steps and gave a peace message to humanity. Another sacred location is the Puskarini Pond where Queen Mayadevi legend to have taken a bath there before giving birth to the Buddha.
Thank you Cindy for sharing.
Interesting to know that World Peace Pagoda of Japan and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary are the two main attractions in the New Lumbini Village.
It is indeed wonderful and will plan to go there one day.
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Thank you Cindy for this wonderful, concise and compact guide to Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is indeed very holy and meritorious for one to be able to go there and make all the necessary offerings as the place is imbued with the energies of Buddha himself!
It is my wife’ and my wish to be able to set foot on this area (also, Deer Park in Sarnath, Kushinagar, Bodhgaya and Varanasi as well).
Thank you.
Lum Kok Luen
I dream of going to Lumbini on a pilgrimage but so far had not been successful, I have not given up and will arrange again soon.
Thank you Cindy for this beautiful article and it really excited me seeing what is within the Maya Devi Temple.
Each to their own faith, pilgrimages are journeys which everyone with faith would like to go on. I have some elderly Muslim friends who dream of dying when they are in their Haj. Interesting.
It is indeed a very auspicious and meritorious to made a pilgrimage to Holy site such as Lumbini,Nepal .Thank you Cindy for these details write up of going to Lumbini, thus making the trip easier.
A Pilgrimage to Lumbini, will be wonderful as thats where the Buddha’s birthplace. And get connected and make a good aspiration.
There are many impressive beautiful structures and beautiful Sacred temples to see. Hopefully I could a pilgrimage there someday and to receive the powerful blessing from the spiritual energies imbued. Rinpoche has always encouraged us to make a pilgrimage to Holy sites afterall.
A real nice guide to why pilgrimages are important and which are the important ones to go to when first embarking on pilgrimages. What more auspicious place to start a pilgrimage than first to Lumbini the place of birth of Gautama Buddha. Thank you for sharing about Lumbini and its significance.