Lumbini � Buddhas Birthplace

Lumbini is one of the most famous Buddhist Pilgrimage site located in theRupandehi District of Nepal. Lumbini is worshipped as one of the most sacred Buddhist site in the world since Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama (original name of Lord Buddha before attaining nirvana) was born from Queen Mahadevi in around 623 CE. Lumbini is the center of many temples which includes Mayadevi Temple, other many monasteries, monuments, and museums. One of the four holy places of Buddhism, Lumbini is the mecca for every Buddhist in the world. Lumbini was listed on in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

During the time of Buddha, Lumbini was very beautiful and was full of garden with shady and green Sal trees. These beautiful gardens were owned by Shakyas and Kolias Clans. The site of lumbini remained neglected till German archeologist rediscovered Lumbini and temple as well as bathing pool in 1895. Lumbini is also famous for commemorative pillar which is said to be erected in 249 BC by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka of India during his pilgrimage in Lumbini.

Gautam Buddha

Gautam Buddha is the primary figure in Buddhism and is the one who initiated Buddhism in the first place. According to history, Gautam Buddha’s real name was Siddhartha Gautama and was born in royal family of Shakya Clan. The father of Siddhartha was king Suddhodana and was the ruler of Shakya people. Siddhartha Gautam lived an extravagant life till he left the palace. He was married at a young age with his cousin princess Yasodhara, daughter of King Supabuddha and Pamita (sister of king Suddhodana). He was living a life of seclusion and entertainment under the order by King Suddhodana. At the age of 29, on the auspicious day of his son’s birth,Siddhartha left the palace to live a life of sage.

After Siddhartha Gautam left the palace, for almost six years, he practiced various rigorous practices, studied and followed different methods of meditation. He almost died of starvation during his rigorous meditation practices, until he received a bowl of rice from a young lady. He then realized that what he wanted couldn’t be found the way he was practicing. Then one day under a Bodi tree, he meditated until dawn and attained “Enlightenment” at the age of 35. And he started teaching people about his learning, earning the title “Enlightened One”.