Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southwestern Nepal, nearly twenty-five hundred years ago. Since then, the city has always remained the focal point of Buddhism. Today's Lumbini is a small sleepy town in the southwestern Tarai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen.
Ashoka Pillar
built in the year 259BC, this pillar was built by King Ashok, who was Buddhist. When he constructed this pillar, the King exempted the villagers from paying tax and gave out 100 golden coins to the people. In the seventh century, the pillar was struck by lightening and split into two parts. The site was lost for six centuries and covered with dense forest before being re found in 1895. The place was cleared and the pillar reconstructed.
Maya Devi Temple
This temple is supposed to be dedicated to Maya Devi, who is Buddha’s mother, which seems natural as lumbini in famed as the birth place of Buddha. The temple was built during the 2nd century. Next to the temple there is a pool where Maya Devi used to bathe, now days the Japanese Buddhist Federations is re constructing new temple at this site.
The Crane Sanctuary
A sanctuary is being built for the protection and breeding of endangered cranes in this area. It’s an interesting place to visit.
The Sacred garden
Is the beautiful area around the Asoka pillar where you can spend sometime relaxing and wondering around.
Monasteries
Many countries have built monasteries in this area, it’s possible to walk around and visit them as you like. Though the buildings are mainly in the new style.
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