Lumbini is the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam who later known as Lord Gautam Buddha. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations located in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Buddha is known as the light of Asia. Millions of people around all over the world come here to visit. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO.The Indian emperor Ashoka identified and set the Ashoka pillar in Lumbini which is the main attraction of this area. The other main attraction of this area is Maya Devi Temple, Scared Garden spread over 8sq km and scared pond Puskarni where Mayadevi had taken a bath before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Lumbini holds the historical and religious significance of Nepal.
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.
