The Buddha - A Life History

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Lumbini
The birthplace of Buddha, known as Lumbini or Lumbinivana is located near the city of Kapilavastu, at the foothills of Mount Palpa, in the Himalayan ranges in Nepal. Situated on the bank of the little river Rohini, the small city Kapilavastu is about hundred miles, northeast of the city of Varanasi. Lumbini literally means peace and calm same as the meaning of ‘Buddha’. Buddha's father named Suddhodana was King of the Sakhyas here.

Lumbini today is a quiet little place with the remnants of the past. For the Buddhist as well as Hindus, Lumbini is a significant holy place for being the birthplace of Lord Buddha. There are many places of tourist and archeological interest in Lumbini, which brings travelers from all over in large numbers to this ancient land.

Tourist Attractions

Ashokan Pillar - Made of ashtadhatu (eight metals), the Ashokan Pillar was raised by the Great Emperor Ashoka in 250 B.C. This pillar is six meters high and the half of the pillar lies under the ground.

Maya Devi Temple - Maya Devi Temple was lately discovered by the archeologists. A commemoration stone was found above a platform of seven layers of bricks. On the stone are emblazoned the queen Maya (mother of Lord Buddha) and the child Buddha.

How to Reach - The tourists can take a flight to Bhairawa and take a bus or rent a jeep or a three-wheeler to the area. Apart from this, there are regular bus services linking Bhairawa and Kathmandu.

Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya – the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment is a very significant place for the Buddhists and Hindus. Located in Bihar, in the eastern side of India, Bodhgaya is a little town nestled in serenity, just 16 km from Gaya. Bodhgaya is one of the four most sacred places of veneration for the Buddhist from all over the world. Today, this little town has become the most favourite places of visit for the Buddhist tourists. On your visit you will find an array of modern monasteries built by several countries, besides some of the ancient ruins of the Lord Buddha’s time and also a museum that displays remnants of the ancient Bodhgaya.

Tourist Attractions

Mahabodhi Temple - The Mahabodhi temple is known for its superb architecture and sacredness. The Mahabodhi Temple is positioned to the east of the Bodhi Tree. A World Heritage Site, the Mahabodhi temple soars to 170 feet height and is surrounded by a variety of Stupas, built at various time periods.

The Bodhi Tree - Bodhi Tree is the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, but the present tree is a descendant of the original tree, which was brought and planted from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, where it was taken by Sanghamitra, King Ashoka's daughter in 3rd century BC.

How to Reach - Bodhgaya is 16 km from Gaya, which is conveniently connected to rest of the state and country by air, rail and road. Patna (112km) is another option for international travelers.

Sarnath
Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is located at 10 Kms from Varanasi. It is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to the five holy men; preaching the middleway to final 'Nirvana’.

Tourist Attractions

Dharmekha Stupa - This is the most prominent structure at Sarnath. Ashoka
constructed the original stupa. It was extended and enlarged numerous times up to the 12th century CE. Dhamekha is believed to be the revered place where the voice of Buddhism was first heard.

Ashokan Pillar - This pillar is the evidence of Emperor Ashoka visit to Sarnath, in the 3rd century BC. The lion symbolises both Ashoks's imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic

How to Reach - Sarnath is 9.6 km by road from Varanasi, and is linked by a regular bus service. Nearest airport, Varanasi (32 km), is connected with daily flights from Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Calcutta and Kathmandu.

Kushinagar
Kushinagar is also known as Kasia or Kusinara. It is one of the most important centers of Buddhist pilgrimage for being the place of Buddha’s Mahaparinrvana (death). Kushinagar is situated in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 51 km off Gorakhpur. Kushinagar has been included in the famous Buddhist trail encompassing Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal.

Tourist Attractions

Nirvana Stupa - This massive brickwork Stupa, discovered by Carlleyl in 1867, stands at a height of 2.74 meter. A copper vessel was found at this place. It bore a message in ancient Brahmi, which stated that Lord Buddha's remains had been placed here.

Nirvana Temple - This houses the over 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. An inscription below dates the statue to the fifth century AD.

How to Reach - Situated on National Highway No. 28, Kushinagar is well connected with other parts of the state. The nearest airport is Gorakhpur (44km).