Rich legend of Lumbini – By Dr.Gamini Kariyawasam.
Lumbini Vansaya Book PDF DOWNLOAD – Click Here
This year’s Vesak festival brings cherished memories of the enchanting Lumbini, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. As we celebrate, it’s the perfect moment to delve into the rich legend of Lumbini, illuminated by recent archaeological discoveries. This article aims to bring the ancient allure of this sacred site to life, revealing its hidden stories and newfound treasures.
. It is a place where the devotees have to see and understand the impermanent nature. One who worships this place will be born in heaven after death in a good soul.”
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There are no direct flights from Sri Lanka to the regional airport near Lumbini, named Gautama Buddha Airport. Located 400 kilometers from Kathmandu Airport, Gautama Buddha Regional Airport can only be reached by small regional aircraft. Traveling to Lumbini by land involves navigating through the Himalayan foothills, rivers, valleys, and dense forests. This arduous journey is made worthwhile by the lush greenery, wildlife, and birdsong that accompany travelers along the way. The cool waters of the massive frozen rivers flowing from the Himalayan peaks refresh the pilgrims.
We can imagine the profound emotions of those who truly step onto the sacred grounds of Lumbini and worship with all their heart, envisioning the birth of Buddha centuries ago.
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“On a bright day in 563 B.C., under the waning Vesak crescent moon in the eastern sky, a procession departed from Kimbulwatpura, led by a devout mother, the great Maha Maya. She entered the Sala forest of Lumbini, seeking relief from her fatigue. As if soothed by a gentle breeze over soft blue water, Maha Maya felt a refreshing thought as the fragrance of flowers surrounded her. Reaching for a flower from a sal branch, she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha. Four demigods then bowed to the three Bodhisattvas, praying for a blessed son to be born to the Great Maya.”
Image Source : GodBrahman
Image Source : dharma – documentaries.
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“Aggo hamasmi lokassa
Jetto hamasmi lokassa
Setto hamasmi lokassa
Ayamanta jati nanthidani punabibhavo.”
“I am foremost in the world.
I am chief in the world.
I am supreme in the world.
This is my last birth. There will be no rebirth after this.”
Information about Lumbini emerged again in 249 BC after the birth of Siddhartha, when the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini on the 20th anniversary of his coronation and paid homage to the sacred site. Upagupta Maharahth Thera, who accompanied King Ashoka, directed his spiritual power to precisely locate the birthplace of Siddhartha.
Image Source ; wikipedia
Emperor Ashoka then erected a memorial pillar and an inscription to make the site known to the world. The top of this monument, a symbol of Lumbini, was damaged by enemy threats, reducing its height to about 132.5 feet. The inscription on the pillar states, “Hida Budha Jate Sakyamuni,” meaning “Here the Buddha, Shakyamuni, was born.”
Image Source : delcampe
Image Source : completenepal
Image Source : lankadeepa
Image Source : oshonews
Birth place of Lord Buddha.
Source : mytimetotravel
Historical documents show that after Emperor Ashoka’s visit, tourists from around the world came to this holy land. Notable visitors included three famous Chinese travelers: Zeng Tsai (3rd century AD), Faxian (4th century AD), and Xuanzang (6th century AD). Xuanzang’s detailed account of Lumbini describes the sal tree, a pagoda, the Ashoka pillar, the Pushkaraniya pond, the Thelar River, and the sources of hot and cold springs.
King Ripu Malla of Karnali, Western Nepal, visited Lumbini in 1312 AD, marking his visit with the inscription “Om Mani Padme Hum King Malla Chirang Jayathu” atop the Ashoka Pillar. The rediscovery of Lumbini in 1896 is credited to General Khadga Shamsher, governor of Palpa, and Dr. Alois Anton Führer, a British Indian archaeological explorer. During P.C. Mukherjee’s 1899 excavations, the nativity statue and surrounding remains were identified. In 1932, General Kesher Samsar discovered several stupas and ruins of monasteries.
King Mahendra’s visit to Lumbini in 1956 spurred a revival of the site. He proposed a development plan for Lumbini to the International Buddhist Federation. In April 1967, United Nations Secretary-General U Thant visited Lumbini and initiated a program to garner international support for its development. Archaeologists like Devala Mitra Babu and Krishna Rijal worked to excavate and confirm the sacred site’s significance.
In 1978, the Lumbini Basic Development Plan began implementation, dividing the area into three main zones: Lumbini Village, the Hermitage Zone, and the Sacred Garden. The Sacred Garden, located along the Thelar River, includes the Ashoka Pillar, the Mayadevi Monastery, the Pushkar Pond, and surrounding ruins. The Hermitage Zone lies between the Sacred Garden and Lumbini Village. To accommodate visitors from different countries, 41 plots were allocated for the establishment of monasteries. The eastern plots are reserved for Theravada monasteries and the western plots for Mahayana monasteries.
In 2005, the Sri Lankan government built the beautiful Sri Lanka Rama temple in the eastern column for Theravada monasteries, at a cost of 50 million rupees. Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe , a pioneering figure, played a crucial role in the construction of the Lumbini Sri Lankan Ramaya and the modernization and reconstruction of the Lumbini Dutugemunu Rest. His contributions in these endeavors are particularly noteworthy and come to mind readily.
Lumbini Sri Lankaramaya.
The late Hon. Ranasinghe Premadasa, understanding the need for suitable accommodations for pilgrims, built the Dutugemunu. Over time, this building fell into disrepair but was renovated in 2009 due to the intervention of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The restored sanctuary now features 40 rooms, several halls, a restaurant, and a library, providing a comfortable resting place for Sri Lankan devotees visiting Lumbini and the new Sri Lanka Rama.
Image Soource : facebook
Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees visiting Lumbini should not miss the significant ancient Buddhist shrines and ruins at Kapilavastu, near Lumbini
Image Source : lankadeepa
Gate associated with Prince Siddhartha’s great renunciation
Image Source : chingnengbin
Image Source : ranichari
These include Nigrodharama, where the Buddha once resided; the eastern gate of the Rajavasala, associated with Prince Siddhartha’s great renunciation; the ruins of the Suddhodana Palace; the stupa containing the remains of King Suddhodana and Maha Maya Devi; the chamber where Prince Rahula was ordained; Sarakupa well; and other important religious monuments.
Image Source : lumbinidevtrust
Image Source : lankadeepa
Image Source : brelief
Despite Lumbini being well-preserved, the sites in Kapilavastu Pura have suffered from neglect. The intricate carvings on the walls of Nigrodharama are at risk of fading due to exposure to the elements. Preserving these living relics of the Buddha’s legacy for future generations is a national mission for the Sri Lankan government, which should seek UNESCO’s support to build international consensus for their protection.
Please note that the research work “Lumbini Vamsaya,” written by me in Sinhala, was consulted in the preparation of this special article. Most of the photos published in this article were taken by myself, with some additional photos sourced from Facebook.
Additionally, a PDF version of this experimental Sinhala book, titled “Lumbini Vansaya,” which was awarded the Best Religious Book of the Year in 2018, is presented below for ELANKA readers who wish to read it during this auspicious Vesak season. – Gamini Kariyawasam
Gamini Kariyawasam
Lumbini Vansaya Book PDF DOWNLOAD – Click Here
