Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is among the most sacred pilgrimages for Buddhists and spiritualists across the world. Lumbini was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
I was excited because I was going abroad. Technically, it was a road trip to Nepal via Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. I was so looking forward to have a stamp on my passport, but Indians don’t need a visa to enter this landlocked South Asian country nestled in the Himalayas. Therefore, no stamp. We just breezed into Nepal after a brief stop at the exit point at Gorakhpur.
Borders are interesting, but people in Nepal speak Hindi, so we didn’t have any language issues. Most people were walking in and out of the entry points. Our stay was at a resort in Bhairahawa district Rupandehi, the gateway to Lumbini.
While Nepal is more famous among those who want to climb Mount Everest, for me the birthplace of the Buddha was a high point. The epitome of peace, compassion and non-violence, he was born Siddhartha Gautam (623 BC) to King Śuddhodana, leader of the Shakya clan of Kosala state, and his queen Maya. However, destiny took its course and Siddhartha renounced the world and became Buddha or the enlightened one, becoming the founder of Buddhism.
Buddha Poornima or Vesak is celebrated across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet and Mongolia, to commemorates the birth, enlightenment (Bodhi Ñāṇa), and death (Parinirvāna) of Buddha. This falls every year in the months of April/May.
Lumbini is located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal, which doesn’t have mountains but lots of mustard fields. From our resort, Lumbini was a 30-minute drive.
The Buddha has been a changemaker for millions of souls, turning them into compassionate people. Giving up wars, Mauryan Emperor Ashoka became his follower after the bloodshed at Kalinga. In 249 BC, he erected a sandstone pillar at Lumbini.
Like all places where Buddhism prevails, a line of fluttering flags greeted us, signalling the entry into Lumbini. Many nations house their monasteries in Lumbini. There are two monastic zones with a canal dividing the two. Boat rides are common in this canal.
The eastern monastic zone has Theravadin monasteries. The western zone has Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries. A signboard pointed out the Vipassana Centre. Far away, a white stupa, the peace stupa was visible.
We didn’t explore the monasteries, but a huge bell near the lamp of peace caught my eye. This was the Triratna Peace Bell. An inscription, hidden under the trees, said, “…this bell invokes the blessings of wisdom and compassion that liberate beings from sarvam dukham and allow peace to flow…” I was awed by the huge bell with inscriptions, but couldn’t find anything to ring it with.
The flames of the peace lamp flickered due to the wind, but it did not stop burning. It was lit by Prince Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on November 1, 1986 to commemorate the International Year of Peace. The flame was brought from United Nations (New York) to spread the message of peace and harmony among the global community.
Bowing to the great spirit of Lumbini, I turned towards the passage leading to the complex housing the ruins of the Maya Devi Temple, Shakya Tank, Ashoka pillar, remains of Buddhist viharas (monasteries, 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD) and remains of Buddhist stupas (memorial shrines, 3rd century BC to 15th century AD).
Before entering the complex, I bowed to the shiny gold statue of Baby Buddha, gifted by Thailand in 2012. With less habitation, the region is also a crane sanctuary. Birders’ visit often, I was told.
Shoes kept in a rack, wearing cover on the feet, we walked into the peaceful garden. The Maya Devi Temple is a brick structure in a cross-wall system. Legend says Queen Mayadevi had given birth while standing. We filed in a queue, walking slowly, till we found ourselves in front of white stone encased in glass. This was the birth spot. And right above this, was the nativity sculpture showing the birth of Buddha. We didn’t get much time to pray as the temple was about to close.
Outside, a sage was sitting under the sacred Bodhi tree. A lamp was lit and incense was burning. A little to the other side, devotees from Thailand were praying, the sound of their chants spreading under the open sky. They were near the sandstone Ashoka pillar with its Pali inscription in Brahmi script. Some had even offered coins and currency notes.
The inscription said, “When King Devanampriya Priyadarsin had been anointed twenty years, he came himself and worshipped (this spot) because the Buddha Shakyamuni was born here. He caused to be made a stone bearing a horse and caused a stone pillar to be set up, (in order to show) that the Blessed One was born here. He made the village of Lummini free of taxes, and paying (only) an eighth share (of the produce).” — The Rummindei Edict, one of the Minor Pillar Edicts of Ashoka.
Dusk had become night, and we had to head back to the resort. It would have been good to have more time to explore the World Peace Pagoda, Myanmar Golden Temple and enjoyed a walk in the monastic zone.
Even as I retraced my footsteps, the sound of chants kept ringing in my ears, travelling through the night breeze.
How to reach Lumbini
There are flights from Delhi to Gorakhpur, which is a four-hour drive from Lumbini.
Indians don’t need a visa to enter Nepal, but must carry a valid photo ID, namely passport, voter ID or Aadhar card.
Photography inside the Maya Devi temple is not allowed.
As a spiritual place, Buddhism encourages silence, so walking slowly and absorbing more will heighten your senses in the Lumbini complex.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
Queen of Treasures 
Must have been a great trip! To see the birth spot and Ashoka’s pillar!
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Yes
But we reached late and needed more time to absorb the place
Maybe I will get another chance.
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Hope to visit Lumbini someday!
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I also hope to visit again as we went only for a hurried tour. Must keep more time.
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Nepal has been on our travel wish list for some time. We might not climb Mt Everest but that would be a major attraction for us. But I can understand wanting to visit the birthplace of the Buddha. Interesting to read that Lumbini has two monastic zones and hosts such a variety of monasteries. A great spot for a peace lamp. Even not being religious I would find the chanting sounds fascinating.
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Yes, even I am not religious, and I didn’t find any overdose of religion in Lumbini, just a peaceful energy spot. It’ makes for a good visit.
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Lumbini sounds like a place you must go in a pilgrimage if you are a Buddhist. I don’t know much about this religion, so I didn’t know that Buddha was born in Nepal, in Lumbini . It seems that there are plenty of interesting temples to see here, as well as the ruins of the viharas and stupas. I have seen Bodhi trees before, in India and Sri Lanka, and I believe they are all connected to the main tree where Buddha had the enlightenment.
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I feel everyone would enjoy the peace of Lumbini, even I don’t follow religions, but I meditate daily.
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I can see why you would want to visit Lumbini as it appears to be focused on being a peaceful and contemplative place. In the craziness of our world, we really need that once in a while. I would enjoy taking a boat ride on the canal dividing the monastery regions and seeing the white stone that marks the birthplace of Buddha.
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It sure is a peaceful place
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What a symbolic place to have visited. While I am aware of Buddha and the spiritual teaching of Buddhism, I have never heard of his birthplace, so this post made interesting reading. It is also the first time I have seen a baby Buddha statue. I visited Hong Kong a few years back and got to visit the mighty Buddha statue on Lantau Island; it is really incredible.
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I have been to Hong Kong Disneyland only! Wish to go again now
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Lumbini in Nepal is a beautiful place nestled in the Himalayas. As a birth place of Lord Buddha it has many iconic spots like the Bodhi tree, Triratna bell, Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries. It’s nice that you were able to drive through Gorakhpur and didn’t require visa. The canal dividing the two monastic zones look so calm. And it would be great to explore the Ashoka pillar, Shakya tank and the 3rd and 4th century ruins of Buddha viharas and stupas to remind of how Buddhism spread its roots as a symbol of peace and harmony.
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Ambica, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience in Lumbini, Nepal! We have always wanted to go there. It sounds like you had an amazing day trip exploring the birthplace of Buddha. The peaceful ambiance and historical significance must have been truly captivating. Your detailed description and beautiful photos make me want to visit this sacred site myself. Cheers to more adventures like this!
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I can see how important it is Lumbini for Buddha followers. It’s the birthplace of Buddha and looks so peaceful. Every time I read about the Bodhi tree, it reminded me of that’s where Sidharta Gautam meditated and became Buddha. At least that’s what I remember from secondary history class.
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Lumbini, Nepal, seems like a fascinating destination to visit. I wished to visit its temples and monasteries. I’d also like to take a boat trip down their canal and wander in the monastery areas.
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This looks like such a fascinating and spiritual experience. Your description of the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the serene atmosphere really transported me there. It’s incredible to imagine walking in the footsteps of such an influential figure in history. I loved hearing about the peaceful gardens, the Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar. It’s clear that Lumbini holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhists and visitors alike. This definitely piqued my interest in exploring Nepal further!
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Thank you for sharing such amazing information about Lumbini. I would love to go someday. I love bells and the peace bell looks really peaceful. You should have asked someone how to ring it :)
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I am not a Buddhist by religion but his teachings resonate with me. Lumbini is a big attraction for all faiths for its spiritual atmosphere. Your detailed post was very informative about what to expect when visiting Lumbini, I especially loved the little Gold Buddha and the boat ride on the canal.
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Ambica you have shared very important information regarding thr visa and language. The place sounds a worth it visit from your experience.
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Nepal is a peaceful country.
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awwww Ambica, I wish you had more time here… I felt the same for your sikkim trip too… it was too short.
I have been to Nepal many times to different parts(infact, in Darjeeling, en route to my husband’s house one side of the road is Nepal n the other india😀) and have lived in a Kathmandu for 3 years but haven’t visited Lumbini. It is on my bucket list though.
The way you’ve described the place already gives us those serene vibes. Loved reading your post and the history part as well.
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Hoping for longer holidays 😊
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Your overall experience looks so great, I could sense a feeling of calmness and peace which you must have felt at such a divine place. I would love to travel at least once in my lifetime here.
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Yes. I felt very happy. And i wish to go for a longer stay sometime.
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I haven’t explored Nepal wish to some day though
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Dear Ambica, Honestly now I am jealous of you… what to do…But I am equally happy to see that you get the chance to explore so many destinations and narrates the story of the place beautifully through your blog which I love reading.
Not been to Nepal and as I talked to your personally for having a small baby my travelling is little restricted now but Nepal is not far away from us and just let him turn 2 years I will start travelling in normal pace as he will be little manageable by that time. 2 years I spend in Varanasi and Sarnath in one such location close to Benaras which give you the chance to feel the diviness of lord Buddha.Somehow or other I am Influenced by Lord Buddha and so if not now but very soon I will explore Nepal. Thanks for this wonderful travel story of yours. Loved it
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I went to Varanasi in December and it’s really crowded. I would suggest, you stay in Sarnath and enjoy seeing Varanasi from there. Sarnath is really peaceful, has many monasteries and good museums, including a handicraft and textile museum
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Buddha’s birthplace is a spiritual hub for people around the world. You covered Lumbini very well. After reading this article, I feel like going to Buddha’s birthplace. (we don’t need a visa, right?)
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No. Indians don’t need a visa.
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The birthplace of Buddha, just thinking how great it must be gathering information about such a cultural place. It is always blissful to read your posts.
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Glad you enjoyed this.
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Your day trip to Lumbini, Nepal sounds truly captivating! Nepal has been on my wish list for a while too. While I might not be up for climbing Mount Everest, the allure of visiting the birthplace of Buddha is undeniable. I find it fascinating that Lumbini boasts two monastic zones and is home to a diverse array of monasteries. The cultural and spiritual richness of the place must have left a lasting impression on you. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience!
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It looks so peaceful just from the photographs. Thank you for sharing not just information but your experience also. I have never been to Nepal. If I do, I will sure try and visit Lumbini.
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Yes. It is a peaceful country as a whole
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Loved your detailed travelogue, Ambica. Felt as if traveling with you. Your posts always have those bits of information that make them so interesting. Haven’t had a chance to visit Nepal yet, and now Lumbini is definitely on my bucket list.
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Am sure you would love it
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I can’t imagine the calming vibe of Lumbini, what with it being the birthplace of The Buddha. Your post was so detailed that I felt a part of your trip too. Wish you had a longer visit, would’ve loved to see pictures of the monasteries. Buddhist monasteries are always so beautiful!
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Wow Lumbini, the place of Lord Buddha! Such an exciting travelogue! Thanks for making me a virtual part of this trip!
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Thank you for taking us on free ride to Lumbini. Loved the pictures and short and to-the-point descriptions of the places you visited.
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I love visiting monasteries and Lumbini has been on my bucket list for ages. Thank you for taking us on a beautiful ride to this place.
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Very detailed and informative post. I love places that fill one with a sense of peace….this is usually why I visit old temples or churches when I travel.
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I never realised how easy it is to visit Lumbini. Thanks for sharing the information.
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