Lumbini is a famous cultural place in Nepal known as the birthplace of the Buddha. Therefore, it is very sacred and essential for the followers of Buddhism. Lumbini is a large shrine made up of several smaller temples some of which are not yet complete and are under construction.
Located on the continent of Asia, Lumbini has several monuments and a museum around it. Another holy place is the sacred pool where the Buddha’s mother, Queen Mahamayadevi, had bathed before she was born. Therefore, the water of this pond is considered sacred. They call this pond Puskarini, which means Holy Pond. These religious concepts are rooted in the culture of people.
History
According to researchers, Lumbini is an ancient pilgrimage site. You can see the traces of human lives in this region from 6 centuries B.C. However, when was the Lumbini building built? It is believed that when Ashoka visited this place, he started to build columns there. After the construction of these columns was completed, the site was named Lumbini.
What Does the Word Lumbini Mean?
The word “Lumbini,” written in Sanskrit as เคฒเฅเคฎเฅเคฌเคฟเคจเฅ, means “the loved one.” Since the most critical person in Buddhism was born in this place, this name is quite fitting. It seems they used to think about the process of naming, and it was an important thing to do.
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Why Is Lumbini Famous in the World?
Lumbini, built in the Rupandehi District, is of great spiritual value due to the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the founder of the Buddhist school in the area. This great event occurred in 623 B.C. The temples and museums in Lumbini are beautiful to tourists from all around the world. Besides, Lumbini was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to see Lumbini is autumn, from September to November. In autumn, the weather in Lumbini is cool, the sky is blue, and the probability of rain is low. The average temperature in Lumbini in the fall is 20 degrees.
If you do not have any problem with the heat and prefer to visit Lumbini in the warm seasons, you can plan your trip in the summertime to enjoy the warm weather. Sometimes, the air temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius during summer! It is something you should consider before planning.
How Was Lumbini First Discovered?
According to historians, centuries ago, a man named Asuka was one of the famous kings in this part of the land. He traveled to different cities, wrote his orders on other columns, and placed them in different parts of his land. He also traveled to Lumbini and put a column there. A long time later, in 1895, an archaeologist discovered it on his expedition to Lumbini and introduced this wonderful place to the world.
Why Should I Visit Lumbini?
The first steps of Buddhism were taken in Lumbini, and, as mentioned, it has a religious significance. However, another factor is also essential. The site is a must-see for everybody who wants to have a spiritual experience.
The interesting culture of Nepal, the Lumbini Museum, the various temples beautifully built and decorated in Lumbini, and the great king’s inscriptions, Asuka, are all reasons for assuming Lumbini a unique destination in Nepal. Even if you are not a Buddhist, seeing the attractions of Lumbini delights your soul.
Interesting Facts About Lumbini
It is interesting to know that Lumbini has not always been like this. This place was a lush and beautiful garden in the past, but after the great Buddha’s death, this place became religious and sacred due to his respect and greatness.
If you look closely at Lumbini, you will see the effects of many crackups. The reason is the unprincipled methods of a person named General Kesher Shumsher, who wanted to extract this place from the ground and make them more visible. His manner was inappropriate, and the process didnโt go well; he ruined everything.
Due to the growing importance of Lumbini, great measures to enhance the tourism industry in this site. For example, many hotels and restaurants are being built near Lumbini. Even an airport is near this place, making it much easier for travelers to travel to this valuable and beautiful place.
Weather
It does not rain much in Lumbini, and the highest rainfall is from July to September. During these three months, it rains for almost more than 20 days. The average temperature in Lumbini is 25 ยฐ C in spring, 28 ยฐ C in summer, 20 ยฐ C in autumn, and 17 ยฐ C in winter.
How Do We Get to Lumbini?
You can travel to Lumbini from different Nepal cities by land and air. If you are staying in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, the best and fastest way to visit Lumbini is by plane to Siddhartha Nagar. When you reach Siddhartha Nagar, you are only 22 km away from the Buddha’s birthplace. These transportation options have made this place an excellent destination for visitors from all around the world.
However, if you are not in Kathmandu or the cost of a plane ticket is not affordable, you can use the bus as a proper option. The nearest destination to Lumbini is Sunauli, which is only 30 km away by bus from Lumbini. Sunauli is also the closest border of India to Lumbini.
How to Behave?
Being in a temple requires some etiquette to be respected. Before stepping in, you should know that these are not simple buildings to the believers. They appreciate the place and try to feel spiritual things about the temple. The best for you as a visitor is to imitate what they do.ย
A big part of your visit should be focusing on your senses. There are some sounds, scents, and lights in the temple. Try to feel them as if you were looking for them. It is the best practice to enjoy your time in Lumbini fully.
