Safarnama – Nepal – Lumbini – Impressions, Perceptions and Views.

Lumbini covers an area of three squre miles; the holy site is bordered by a large monastic zone in which only monasteries can be built, no shops, hotels or restaurants. The complex is divided into three areas: the Sacred Garden, the Monastic Zone and the Cultural Center and New Lumbini Village. I visted the first two mentioned places. The Sacred Garden remains the main area and consists of the birthplace of Buddha and other monuments of archaeological and spiritual importance.

Sacred to many and visited by in vast multitudes by Budhists and others, I took some time out to speak to a few en route

There is a long water filled canal separating the western and eastern zones, with a series of brick arch bridges joining the two sides along the length. The canal is serviced by simple outboard motor boats at the north end which provides tours.

One of the most ancient Buddhist Temples in Lumbini, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Maya Devi Temple is one of the most well-known temples which is known as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The temple is situated in the middle of the park ground

Inside the Temple is the birth site of Lord Buddha.

Monuments of archaeological and spiritual importance such as the Marker Stone, the Nativity Sculpture, Puskarini Sacred Pond and other structural ruins of Buddhist stupas and viharas are around the Temple

In the Monastic Zone which represents Mahayana and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism, are the respective monasteries on the either side of a long pedestrian walkway and canal. Marking the monastic spot as a sacred pilgrimage site, many countries have established Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the monastic zone with their unique historical, cultural and spiritual designs. The Monastries and temples normally take two to three days for us to visit them at leisure.

The countries which have their spiritual presence here are, the Chinese Monastery, Royal Thai Monastery, German Monastery, Sri Lankan Temple, South Korean Temple, Austrian Monastery, French Buddhist Monastery, Cambodian Monastery, Singapore monastery, Canadian monastery, Vietnamese Temple (Phat Quoc Tu), Urgen Dorjee Choling Buddhist Centre, Golden Temple of Myanmar, Singapore monastery.

Do have a look at some of these venerated architectural and artistic holy structures.