The Ashoka Pillar

Discovered by the now famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible land-mark of the auspicious garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved on the pillar (in Brahmi characters). It is said that the Hindu Indian Emperor Ashok-the Great, who got converted, visited the site in the twentieth year of his accession to the throne and as a homage to the pure birth-place erected the pillar. The inscription on the pillar roughly translates as : "King Piyadesi the beloved of the Gods, having been anointed 20 years, came himself and worshipped saying--Here Buddha Sakyamuni was born. He caused to make a stone (capital) representing a horse and he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected. Because here the worshipful one was born the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth."

Museums

The Lumbini Museums contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terra-cotta fragments, and stone and metal sculptures. It also possesses an extensive collection of stamps from various countries depicting Lumbini and the Buddha. Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite the Lumbini Museum, provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture.

Kapilavastu Museum is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot. The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. The museum also has a good collection of jewelry and other ornaments from that period. Open daily, except Tuesday and holidays.

Niglihawa

Niglihawa situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini, is a significant archaeological site. A large tank known as Niglisagar is in the region. Close to the tank lie the remain of broken Ashoka Pillar. The piece of pillar have been protected by the Lumbini Development Trust protected this part and placed it enar the lower part.

Tilaurakot

Tilaurakot, 27 km to the west of Lumbini, contains the ruins of ancient Kapilavastu, capital of the sakya kingdom where the Buddha spent his youth as Prince Siddhartha. At Niglihawa (8 km from Tilaurakot) and Gotihawa (5 km), there are broken Ashoka pillars and other relics. Devdaha, capital of the Koliya kingdom and meternal home of Mayadevi, lies 35 km to the northeast of Lumbini – just off the Butwal- Narayanghat section of the East-west-highway.

Temples and Monasteries

The Myanmar Temple (Lokamani Cula Pagoda) is a gleaming gold and white structure gracefully soaring into the sky in the style of the She-dagon Pagoda in Yangon. There is a monastery complex behind the temple. Nearby, the international Gautam Nuns Temple is a fine replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu. There is a pond here known as Paleswan Pukhu. The China Temple is a complex of pagodas, prayer rooms and meditation cells. Built by the Buddhist association of China, the centerpiece at the Zhong Hua Buddhist Monastery is a huge statue of the Buddha houses in its main pagoda.

kapilbastu

The temple and the holy quadrangle with a Buddhist stupa at the center form the residential quarters of the Chaste Virgin Living Goddess called KUMARI. The traditional building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The non-Buddhist and the non-Hindu visitors may enter the courtyard called the 'bahal' but may not proceed beyond upstairs. The KUMARI acknowledges their greetings from the central window of the balcony particularly saved for Her alone and snapshot is strictly prohibited.