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AN
INTRODUCTION TO
LUMBINI AND IT'S SURROUNDING
Lumbini, a
zone of amazing extremes contains a long historical tradition, an
amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities, people having
different religions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects
and many places of having religious, historical, archeological,
cultural and natural values. This zone takes its name from Lumbini,
the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace &
non-violence.
Lumbini
zone is between 830 10' and 840 25' east
longitude and 270
20' and 280 27' north
latitude, east by Narayani zone, north by Gandaki and Dhaulagiri
zones and west by Rapti zone. Lumbini and its diverse cultural
aspect and natural, historical, archaeological significance have
been known to all so far in the world.
Historical
Background:
 Lumbini,
the birth place of Lord Buddha and a famous place of pilgrimage for
millions of Buddhists all over the world is situated in the south
western terai of Nepal 302 Km. from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
The main sites associated with Buddha's life (Lumbini, Kapilvastu,
Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kusinagar) have become popular centers of
Buddhists as are Jerusalem for Christians and Mecca for Muslims.
The ancient
Kapilvastu state was spread on the bank of Rohini river to the east
and there was Koliya state to the east of the river. The people of
these two states were used to getting in and away through the grove
of Fupadevi, a famous beautiful spot with a pond surrounded by Sal
trees. It took its name from Rupadevi, the queen of Anjana, the king
of Dewadaha. Historical facts show that in course of time the famous
grove Rupadevi came to be known as "Fummini Dei" "Lumbini and then
"Rupandehi" now.
Siddhartha
Gautam was the son of King Suddhodhan (of the Shakya clan) who ruled
Kapilvastu and Kayadevi (of the Koliyaclan). The daughter of the
ruler of the niighbouring state of Dewadaha.
It is
believed that Kayadevi was 10 months pregnant when she decided to
visit her parents' home in Dewadaha. On the way from Kapilvastu, her
entourage had to pass through the grove of Fupandehi (now Lumbibi)
She reached Lumbini on a full moon day, Kay 563 BC and stopped to
enjoy the scence and to bathe in the pond. Just after the bath
Diddhartha Gautam was born.
Siddhartha
Gautam walded seven steps immediately after his birth ,Mayadevi and
Siddhartha Gautam were brought to Kapilvastu in a royal manner . At
that time two manks 'Asita' and 'kaudinnya' predicted that the child
would be a great monk. So Siddhartha Gautam was luxuriously bought
up. At the age of 29 while wandering in the town outside the place,
he came across an old man, a sick man , a corpse and hermit. These
confrontations with suffering and death impelled Siddhartha to
femounce his luxurious life and leave kingdom of Kapilvastu.
Enlightenment Time:
At the age
of 35 Siddhratha Gautam attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya, India.
Then after Lunbini has become the major centre of Buddhist
religion
and culture, Many emperors and great rulers started to visit the
birth place of Lord Buddha.
Ashok's
Visit To Lumnini:
The great
indian emperor Askok following the violence caused by the battle of
Kalinga realised that true victory is gained by winning human heart
& soul. He than, became the true follower of Buddha. In course of
his pilgrimage with his preacher Upa-Gupta, Ashoka
visited Lumbini in 249 BC. He established a stone pillar there and
inscribed in Brahmin script that he lessened the tax of the people
around the holy birth place Lord Buddha.
Later two
Chinese pilgrims Faeihan and Huian Tsang visited this region in the
5th and 7th century, respectively. Repu Ialla the Kshetri king of
Karnali visited Lumbini in the 14th century. He inscribed his name
and Buddha Manrta in the Pillar of Lumbini.
The
existence and importance of Lumbini had been limited only to the
Chinese pilgrims' description and Buddhist literature by the last
decade of the 19th century. The whole region returned to wilderness
and the sites were no more than parts of jungle. When a land-lord
named Jasakaran of Baiat, near Nepalgunj rumored of finding out
Ashoka pillar, archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer came to this
region. With the help of the governor of Palpa Khadga Shamsher Rana,
who had a keen interest in archaeology, he in 1886 began the
excavation to a pillar-which turned out to he Ashoka's Lumbini
pillar. As a result of various excavations and researches made since
then the temple of Mayadevi, the nativity statue of Buddha,
Siddhartha pond, a conglomerate stone, a terracotta image of
Siddhartha Gautam sitting near by his wife Yasodhara etc. and many
other ruins and antiquities have been discovered in Lumbini.
Lumbini at
present:
After the
visit of U. N. general secretary late U-Thant in 1967 A.D., the
importance of Lumbini has been enhanced far and wide. Now there are
grandiose plans for the development of Lumbini with the aim of
developing it as a place of pilgrimage, and a tourist center. It is
being developed according to the master plan formulated by Japanese
architect 'Kenzo Tange' in 1978 A.D.
The total area of Lumbini as proposed in the master plan is 3 Sq.
miles and the scared garden area is approximately 723,456 m2. The
Plantation area is 40% of the total area. Now the interesting things
for tourists are garden, different temples, the eternal fire flame,
the Ashoka pillar, Stupas, Vihars and brick foundations. Many
Buddhist temples, Stupas, Vihars are being made by as different as
41 countries. Today, the pond where Mayadevi is believed to have
bathed before giving birth to Siddhartha Gautam can still be seen.
The Mayadevi temple is built on ancient foundation, and these are
now the site of an archaeological excavation. Many facilities are
being developed for the visitors. The purposed international airport
should be built near Lumbini for its all round development.
The Gate-way to Lumbini
SIDDHARTHA NAGAR
Siddharthanagar which is named after early name of Lord Buddha
border Belhiya the most popular and convenient border between Nepal
and northern and western India. Tourism and immigration offices are
located in Belhiya.
Siddharthanagar municipality has a total area of 3570.4 hectors and
spreads over 72031' north latitude and 83026'
east longitude.
Siddharthanagar municipality is the gateway to Lumbini, the birth
place of Lord Buddha, and Himali Shangam is the turning point
towards Lumbini which lying in the west from there. This
municipality is very famous for being third pole for tourist entry.
Bank road, Gallamandi and Maitri path are the famous marketing
areas.
Some local people and different institutions and organisations are
marching hand in hand in conducting different programmes for keeping
this municipality clean, green and colourful. Lumbini Youth Rural
Development Society has started this programme. The declaration of
Visit Nepal "1998" is enhancing public awareness for keeping
the environment clean. Different standard hotels having modern
facilities are being established.
Durga Temple:
It is situated in Ward No. 8 to the north of Himalisangam (Buddha
chowk). It covers about 22 Katthas land. Goddess Durga, the
worshipped in this temple especially during the Dashain festival.
LUYRDS/N has started "greenery and colourful model ward" programme
in this area.
Shiva Mandir:
Situated at the intersection point of Siddharthanagar-8 Basdilawa and Hatibangain VDC of Rupandehi district, Shiva temple is
about 1 Km, to the west of Himalisangam. A grand fair is observed at
Shivaratri festival. There are beautiful lotus flowers in the pond.
Narayansthan:
It is situated to the south of Himalisangam on the way to
market area. It is the famous holy place for religious worshipping
and hymns. It has about 5 Bighas of "Guthi" land. Grand fairs are
observed during almost all feasts and festivals here.
Dandakhola & Phaklihawa :
Dandakhola, which divides Siddharthanagar municipality into two
parts flows in a zigzag way. Because of a dam near Paklihawa, about
3 Kms. south from Siddharthanagar town, the Danda River surround
Paklihawa area. Institute of Agriculture and Animal science campus
is also situated there. Danda surrounded Paklihawa is like a garden
in the sea. A boat is to be taken to visit from one small island
garden to another. It is very suitable for picnic as well as for
boating purpose. Fishing with the help of fish-hooks can also be
enjoyed here.
KAPILVASTU
A brief history:
Tilaurakot:
Tilaurakot, the kingdom of ancient Shakya kings, lies 3 Km. to the
north of Taulihawa, the present day headquarters of Kapilvastu
district, some 27 Km. west of Lumbini. Ruins of historic town of
Kapilvastu are located here, where it is believed that Lord Buddha
enjoyed his princely life until his 29th year .Once a king of
Kaushal state of the Okak clan, while roaming in the north met
Kapilmuni "Rishi" in the dense jungle and according to his
suggestion, they settled down there. In course of time, the region
was named "KAPILBASTU" and it became "KAPILVASTU" the clan, "Shakya".
Similarly, this clan was supposed to have come from "Salket" and on
the basis of king Okak's saying that they were "Shakya" this clan
has come to be known as "Shakya".
Ashoka's Visit to Tilaurakot
Buddhist ruins, literature and the travelogues of Chinese pilgrims
prove that different civilizations developed here from the 11th
century B.C. to the 4th century B.C. Tilaurakot is located in the
middle of a dense forest on the bank of the Banaganga river from
where the Himalayan range is visible. The great Indian emperor
Ashoka visited Kapilvastu some time between 251 & 245 B.C.
Similarly, Chinese pilgrims Faeihan and Huian Tsang visited
Kapilvastu in 406 A.D. and 636 A.D., respectively. Faeihan has
described the two Stupas the Vihar, King Suddhodhan's original
palace, the Buddhist monks, Hastigarta, Sarkup place where Asita met
his father. Similarly, Huian Tsang has described that the King's
palaces was spread over 14-15 league (1 league = 3 miles = 4.8279
kms.) area.
The temple of Hinayani monks and two Hindu temples, Suddhodhan Vihar,
Asita Stupa, sleeping room of Mayadevi etc. are also mentioned in
his description. Besides many excavation and researches made by
Nepalese and forging archaeologists have proved that there was the
king's palace in Kapilvastu.
Different scholars have said with historical evidence that the
King's palace was 1700 ft north-south and 1300 ft. area east-west.
There ruins and mounds of old Stupak. Monasteries made of Kiln-burnt
bricks and clay mortar, the remains are surrounded by a moat the
walls of the city are made of bricks. In fact the ruins of the city
of Kapilvastu indicate such a grand quality that they must belong to
a highly developed culture.
About 400 m. from the ruins, a small museum (closed on Tuesday and
Saturday) display some of the artifacts that were found at the site
including coins and pottery. Kings Suddhodhan's palace, defensive
wall, pond, Stupa, Yasodhara Rahual vihar, school of lord Buddha,
the then Dev temple, Mahavinishkramana Vihar, a watching tower, an
iron workshop, punch marked copper coins, Shakyanasya marked
clay-stamp, stone statues of stone age etc. have been excavated.
Important Places Around Kapilvastu
Niglihawa:
About 8 Km. North-west of Taulihawa, Niglihawa is important from
cultural and archaeological point of view. The site has a
quadrangular tank surrounded by bushes, locally known as Nigli Sagar.
On the western bank of the tank there are tow broken pieces of
Ashokan Pillar. It is mentioned in the book Maha Bhadra Kalpa
"Kanakmuni Buddha" was born in a Brahmin clan in Shovabati Nagar. A
rain in gold occurred immediately after his birth. Therefore, he is
named "Kanakmuni" (Rishi of Gold).
The historical and archaeological significance to light by
Dr.
Fuhrer in March 1895 A.D.
Gotihawa:
About 5 kms. South-west of Taulihawa, Gotihawa village is the
ancient Kshemawati Nagar where Krakuchhanda Buddha was born. Ancient
mound, stone pillar, ring-well, burnt bricks and other ruins have
been excavated here. The existence of this site was brought of light
by Major waddel and P.C. Mukherji in 1898 A.D.
Sagarhawa:
Sagarhawa forest area is situated about 11 Kms. north of Taulihawa
market. In the middle of the forest there is a huge long tank
popularly known as Lambu Sagar. The ancient tanks, ruins, which were
excavated and identified by Dr. Fuhrer as the "place of massacre of
Shakyas" in 1895, can still be located on the south west bank of the
Sagar.
As Tilaurakot is popular known as an open ancient museum, there are
many places of archaeological, historical, cultural & religious
values. Some other important sites are Kudan, Aroarakot, Chatradei,
Bikuli Lamtiya Babhani, Karjahawa, Sishdhia, Samoe-mai, Tauleshwar
Mahadava etc.
The Rising Sun in Lumbini
After I am on more, Ananda! Men of Belief will visit with faithful
curiosity and devotion to four place-where I was born……………, Attained
enlightenment……………, gave the first sermon…………., and passed into
Nirvana.
Thus spake Gautama, the Buddha.
The Stream of devotees and travellers to Load Bubbha's birthplace,
Lumbini, included Emperor Ashok, The Great, in the 3rd century B.C.
and the famous Chinese traveller, Huen Tasng in the 7th century A.D.
Lumbuni was, then and now the ultimate soothing place for the
faithful in their quest for peace and solsce. The crave for
enlightenment was omnipresent in Lumbini's atmosphere. In modern
times the development of Lumbini has been planned to meet the needs
of fast changing International requirements while retaining while
retaining the old-world charm and historical and religious
traditions and values. An integral part of this transformation is
the modern institutions for learning. A void in this field has now
been successfully filled by the Universal Empore by opening college
of medical education at Bhairahawa.
The girls and boys hostels in the campus are already are already
provided with the best boarding, communications, sports, reading
room and recreational facilities. The campus area has been
transformed into a world of its own, self-contained in all respect,
including a temple, beautiful gardens, computer centre, guest house
for parents coming to visit their wards and a swimming pool. Outside
contacts through E-mail and ISD calls can always be made from the
campus.
Lumbini will be one of the major tourist centre of the world in the
21st century and we are happy to be a part of the efforts beings
made in this direction by His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
Butwal
Laying at
the very foot of Chure Hills, Butwal is famous not only from
cultural, business and nature view points, but also from the point,
of view of its strategic geographical position. It is the main
gate-way to the western Nepal. After archaeologist Dr. Munthe and a
group of American archaeologists excavated 10.1 million years old
dental ruins of Ramapithekas human tribe on the bank of the Tinahu (Tilottama)
river, Butwal has also been proved to be a significant site for the
study of prehistoric age.
Place To See
Phulbari
the palace of Palpali Sen clan for winter season is very fascinating
from natural and archaeological values.
There are
ruins and antiquities of the majestic palace of Manimuknda Sen an
ancient Palpali King containing 6 large rooms as well as royal
residence, administrative and fascinating scenic grandeur of Butwal,
Siddharthanagar and other neighbouring villages of Rupandehi
district can be vividly seen from here at night also.
His
Majesty's Government, archaeological department has attempted to
maintain it in 2051/2052 fiscal year. Now Butwal municipality has
formed Council for the conservation of Manimukunda Sen Park to
conduct 'Phulbari Develop meted Programme and attempted to make it
an amusing and a tourist resort.
Other Important Place
Jitgadhi:
Jitgadhi a
fortress during Angol Nepal war, Narayan temple built by (1864 B.S.)
Hanuman temple and Shivalaya of Hanumagngadhi, Jalabinayak Mehadev
temple, Siddababa temple, Nuwakot etc. are famous centres of
attraction in Butwal.
Sainamaina:
Located
about 12 Km. west from Butwal and to North from Banakatti,
Sainamaina as an open museum is very famous and fascinating resort
from historical archaeological culture and natural points of view.
Among the different Gramas villages of Shakya King, it was in the
Samgrama site. An Indian queen (Begam) because of the revolution of
the soldiers came to this area with her soldiers and porters (‘Sena’
and Mena’) and finally this area came to be known as Saina Maina. It
is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient ruins and antiquities
statues of dancing saints, ruins of palace, well etc.
The statue
of Buddha (Jogidanda) was very significant different ruins of having
the values of classical art are scattered here and there. This
famous archaeological site is being occupied by homeless and
landless people. Some of the antiquities of this site are seen
thrown around the Lumbini museum.
Ramagram:
Ancient
Ramagram (Dewadaha Koligram, Byagrahapur) the maternal state of Lord
Buddha is seen to be situated to the east of the Rohini River. The
mound of bricks located on the bank of the Jharai River at Deuraha
in Anawad VDC about 6 Km. from Parasi, the headquarters of
Nawalparasi district is supposed to be the ancient Ramagram now.
After the
death (Mahapari Nirwana) of lord Buddha the ‘Astidhatu’ was divided
between 8 states-Magadha, Baishali, Kapilvastu, Alkappa, Ramagrama,
Vediwa, Pawa and Kushinagar. Ajatshatru of Magadha state had grabbed
the ‘Astidhatu’ of Lord Buddha from other states and built another
Stupa, but he could not grab the ‘Astidhatu’ of lord Buddha, is in
the ovum of the present Stupa (9 meter height and 29 meter diameter)
of Ramagram. A research recently made by UNESCO here also proved
that different artefacts and antiquities are lain in the ovum of
Ramagram.
Daunne
Devi, Palhi Bhagawati, Tribenighat are the famous resorts around
Ramagram.
Tansen Bazar:
Tansen
Bazar, the headquarters of Palpa district, a fascinating centre from
historical cultural, religious, geographical, natural and tourist
view points, is situated at an altitude of 1371 meters above the sea
level on the lap of picturesque Shreenagar hill. Historical it has
enjoyed a strategic position on the trade and pilgrim route between
the hills and the plains. Unique geographical location, climate,
Zigzag and cobbled streets, attractive Newari buildings, pagoda
style temples, shrines and Stupas, attractive Durbar Gate, typical
Magar villages, fascinating panoramic scenes etc. are abundant in
Tansen Bazar.
Places to See:
Bhagawati Temple
Located at
Bhagawati Tole, Tansen-8 near the Tansen Durgar, it was build by
Ujir Singh Thapa in Pagoda style in 1814 A.D. to commemorate the
Nepali victor over colonial British-India forces.
It is the
pilgrimage of Palpalies, it has undergone many physical adjustments.
Huge stone statues of lions, eight armed statue of Bhagawati,
artistic stony Shivalaya, open premise etc. are the attractions of
this temple.
Amarnarayan Temple
A classic three tiered pagoda style temple was build by Amarsingh
Thapa, the son of Birbhadra Thapa, the then prime minister of King
Prithvipal Sen in 1807 A.D. The temple of lord Mahadev, ponds,
parks, rest houses, fine wood carving,
erotic figures on the roof struts, beautifully carved doors, natural
water spring etc. are the attractions of this temple.
Tansen Durbar
The palace
of provincial governor build in the heavy handed Rana style in 1927
A.D. is in the heart of Tansen bazaar. The imposing entrance gate on
the Eastern side of the compound is believed to be the biggest and
tallest gate in Asia.
Shreenagar Hill
A picturesque and touristic resort, Shreenagar Hill abounds in
fascinating scenes, snow capped mountain, panoramic view of the
Tansen town evergreen forest, impressive meadown on the hill top,
bowl shaped Madi Vally and splendid charming scenes of sun rise and
sun set ca be seen from here.
Bhairabsthan Temple
Situated in Bhairabsthan VDC-5, nine (9) Kms. west of Tansen
Bhairabsthan temple is famous from historical cultural and religious
points of view. As the temple is located on a hill a magnificent
view of Himalayan ranges, panoramic scenes of surrounding hills and
mountain can be seen from here. The largest golden trident in Asia
is in front of the temple.
Some other important places in Palpa region are Shital Pati (the
round house) Amargunj, Ganesh Temple Ananda Vihar, Mahachaitya Vihar,
Mahadevi Vihar, Parileyak Ban Rose Garden, Pravas Lake, Chandi
Bhanjyang, Ranighat, Ramdi, Rambhapali, Satyawati lake etc.
Ridi:
A triangular meeting point of Gandaki and Lumbini Zones, Syangja,
Gulmi and Palpa districts. Ridi one of the most famous pilgrimages
of Nepal, is situated at an altitude of about 700 m. on the banks of
the scared Kali Gandaki River. According to Baraha Purana virgin
Ruru, the daughter of Devadatta Rishi and the comeliest and
adroitest nymph Paramlochan who destroyed the hard penance of the
Rishi, had settled down in Ridi. Hence it is named as Ruru Kshetra.
Thousand of religious pilgrims visit Ridi for worldly and eternal
relief. About 40 temples have been build in this site Galful den is
the bonus of Ridi. One can start rafting from
Rudraveni-Ridi-Ramdighat via Trishuli to Narayani river in
Chitwan”Shaligram” (holy stones) and small nuggets of “Gold” are
found on the banks of the holy Kali Gandaki River.
Places to See:
Ridi-Rishikeshab Temple:
Situated on the bank of scared Kali Gandaki River, Ridi-Rishikeshab
temple is the center of the attraction in Ridi. Different stone and
metal statues of Bishnu, Harihar Ganesh Manjushri, Thirteen
different temples built in Pagoda style, resting houses etc. are
inside its complex.
Satyeshwar Mahadev Temple:
About 1.5 km. east of the Ridi Rishikeshab temple, on the bank of
the sacred Kali Gandaki River lies the noted historic temple of
Satyeshwar Mahadev built by Bhimsen Thapa. This temple houses a
beautiful artistic resting house which contains fascinating erotic
figures.
Mani Mukundsen Shivalaya, Shova Bhagawati, Bhairab Ganesh, Laxmi
Narayan Gambhir Mukteshwar Mahadeva, Yagyamuneshwar, Ruru Kanya,
Devdatta etc. are other famous shrines located in Ridi.
Resunga:
One of the most picturesque spots in Lumbini zone, Resunga is rich
in scenic grandeur are being situated at an altitude of about 2339
meter from the sea level it laps Tamghas the headquarter of Gulmi
district Resunga is also a holy place where Shringa Rishi took hard
penance, In course of time it came to be known as Shringa,
Risshringa, Rissash-Ringa, Rishinga and then Resunga now.
The comfortable meadows on the hill top of Resunga is an ideal spot
to view the breath taking scenes of majestic Dhaulagiri & other
Himalayan peaks, green wide expanses of plains of Terai in the
south, the panoramic view of the Tamghas Bazar as well as the
fascinating scenes upto Gorakhapur, U.P. India can be viewed by
telescope from here. One could feel heavenly bliss and a world of
its own after reaching the hill top.
Radha Krishna temple, Siddhababa temple, Bishnu temple, Shiva temple
are the extra bonus in this site. It is not only a centre for
spiritual search and a unique spectrum of natural grandeur but also
a dwelling place of rare wild animals and birds.
Places Around Resunga:
Wami
Situated on the bank of Rudrawati River (Popularly known as Badighat)
about 15 Kilometers north-west of Tamghas, the headquarters of Gulmi
district. Wami is an important place from naural and archaeological
values. Wamitaksar bazar, Wamikot, Gurungkot, Shalime Daha, Malarani,
Deurali etc. are famous spots in Wami VDC.
Aanpchaur
Aanpchaur about 12 km. north-west from Tamghas is famous in Nepal
for coffee and a big cave.
Dhurkot
About 10 km. north of Tamghas, Dhurkot is famous from touristic view
point. A big cave, zigzag Chhalli river, Khadka Chhatra kot, Kalika
Sthan are fascinating spots.
Wangla VDC:
Situated about 12 km. north of Tambhas Bazar, Wangla VDC contains
famous spots like Ishorithana and Siddhathana temples.
Marbhung:
About 15 km. north from Tamghas Bazar, Marbhung has become a famous
spot. The origin point of Chhalli and Panaha (Khola) river commonly
known as Malikathana, the garden of Rhododendrons, Marbhungkot,
Simaltari, Ismakot etc. are beautiful spots around Marbhung V.D.C.
Musikot Gulmi Durbar, Dibrung etc. are other important places around
Resunga.
Argharajasthal
Argharajasthal situated to the west of Sandhikhark the headquarters
of Arghakhanchi district is one of the most famous historical and
cultural resorts dating back to the 15th century. The
Mahakali temple built on the top of a picturesque hill holds immense
religious and historical significance. Kalika temple a place built
in middle-age, Bhusal clan’s temples ancient artefacts, sword,
weapons etc. are inside the temple complex.
To keep the grand and rich culture of Arghakot up with, the system
of “Guthi” has been managed in 1890, 1902 and 1931 B.S. A grand fair
is observed for fifteen days i.e., from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to
Ashwin Shukla Poornima here every year. Wooden inscriptions wooden
ancient artefacts etc. are very fascinating things inside the
temple. A unique spectrum of natural extravaganza can be seen from
here Thandadaha, Khana Cave, Kauli Peak and Durga cave seven
storeyed cave are the famous historical cultural and touristic
resorts around Argharajasthal.
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