Nepal’s World Heritage Site Closely Tied to Japan: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Land of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha!

Located along the border between India and Nepal, Lumbini is known as the birthplace of Buddha. While many people may associate the beginnings of Buddhism with India, the birthplace itself is here in Lumbini, Nepal. Included among Buddhism’s Seven Sacred Sites and Four Major Sacred Places, the World Heritage Site “Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha” is a destination many Buddhists wish to visit. Here, we’ll take a closer look at Lumbini, this World Heritage sacred site.

What is Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha

The World Heritage Site Lumbini is a small village located in the Terai Plains of southern Nepal. Just about 10 km away from the border with India, it is a sacred site attracting people from all over the world as the birthplace of Buddha, and one of Nepal’s most famous World Heritage tourist spots.
How was it discovered that Lumbini was Buddha’s birthplace? Because the Ashokan Pillar was found here. King Ashoka, who supported Buddhism, erected the pillar in 250 BCE with an inscription declaring, “This is the birthplace of Buddha.” This proved that Buddha, once thought to be merely a legendary figure, was indeed a real person.
Today, large-scale development of the World Heritage town of Lumbini is being carried out based on a master plan by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, who also designed the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Fuji Television headquarters. Monasteries, sacred gardens, and other facilities are being constructed to establish Lumbini as a major sacred World Heritage tourist destination.

Access to Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha

From the capital city Kathmandu, head to the town of Bhairawa. It takes 35 minutes by plane or 9 hours by bus. The official name of Bhairawa is Siddharthanagar, but the old name, Bhairawa, is still commonly used locally. From Bhairawa, it takes about 1 hour by bus or 30 minutes by taxi.
Since the World Heritage Site of Lumbini covers a vast area with scattered sightseeing spots, renting a bicycle is highly recommended.

Recommended Spot in Lumbini ① The Sacred Garden

The Sacred Garden in Lumbini is a must-visit sightseeing spot. It includes the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashokan Pillar, and the Puskarini Pond. Interestingly, Lumbini was not Buddha’s hometown, but rather the place where his mother Maya Devi stopped to rest while on her way home to give birth.
As you enter, you’ll first find the Puskarini Pond, said to be the site of Buddha’s first bath. In the Maya Devi Temple, there is a stone relief marking Buddha’s birth, which you should definitely see. At the back of the Sacred Garden stands a large Bodhi tree. Buddha is said to have declared Lumbini a recommended place for meditation, and indeed, you’ll find many monks in robes sitting beneath the tree. The Sacred Garden is wrapped in a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place to feel the sacred air.

Recommended Spot in Lumbini ② The Monastic Zone

The World Heritage Site Lumbini is undergoing redevelopment following the master plan of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Heading north from the Sacred Garden, you will find the Eternal Peace Flame. This area is the Monastic Zone, where monasteries from all over the world can be seen. Since the Monastic Zone is very large, it’s recommended to either charter a rickshaw or rent a bicycle to get around.
Not only Japan’s temples but also those from China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and other countries are gathered here. Each country’s temple reflects its unique form of Buddhism. Some monasteries also provide lodging, so if you plan to stay in Lumbini, incorporating this into your trip could be a great idea.

Precautions

You must remove your shoes when entering the Sacred Garden. Wearing socks is allowed, but be careful as the ground can get very hot. Also, the area has many mosquitoes, so clothing that covers the skin is necessary. Stray dogs and wild monkeys live in the area, so avoid touching them. Since Lumbini is vast, if you visit during hot seasons, don’t forget to take precautions against heat.

◎ Summary

Lumbini, the World Heritage Site and birthplace of Buddha, is a sacred place attracting people from around the globe. Pilgrims especially gather in large numbers between December and January. Around Lumbini, there are various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to guesthouses, so staying overnight to explore at a relaxed pace is highly recommended.
Recent excavations have uncovered stones marking the exact location of Buddha’s birth. With more discoveries expected in the future, why not visit this ever-evolving World Heritage Site?

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Nepal’s World Heritage Site Closely Tied to Japan: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Land of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha!