Greater Lumbini Area (GLA): The Land of Three Buddhas

The Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) covers an extensive region of 5,260 square kilometers, encompassing the districts of Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, and Kapilavastu in the southern plains of western Nepal. This region is renowned for its profound archaeological and religious significance, particularly related to the life of Lord Gautama Buddha. It includes his birthplace, Lumbini, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to Lumbini, the GLA comprises three other notable Buddhist sites: Tilaurakot, Devadaha, and Ramagrama, which hold considerable archaeological and spiritual value. Tilaurakot and Ramagrama are listed as Tentative World Heritage sites by UNESCO due to their historical importance.

Ancient Kapilavastu, now the Kapilvastu district, is the ancestral home of Prince Siddhartha, who later became Lord Gautama Buddha. This district is also significant as the birthplace of two earlier Buddhas: Krakucchanda Buddha and Kanakamuni Buddha. These Buddhas are revered for their descent to the mortal world, their attainment of enlightenment, and their entry into nirvana before Lord Gautama Buddha. This rich historical and spiritual legacy has led to the Greater Lumbini Area being recognized as the Land of the Three Buddhas or the Birthplaces of Three Buddhas.

Rupandehi
Rupandehi district is the heart of Buddhism, with Lumbini at its center. Lumbini is celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The district also hosts other significant Buddhist heritage sites, such as Devadaha, the maternal hometown of Buddha's mother, Mayadevi, and Sainamaina, an archaeological site dating back to the Buddha's era. Beyond its religious heritage, Rupandehi offers a variety of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, including rural Tharu villages, the historic Jitgadhi fort, religious sites like Paryowa Dham and Siddhababa temple, and picturesque wetlands and rivers.

Kapilavastu
Kapilavastu district is often described as an open-air museum, with over 130 archaeological sites related to the life of Lord Gautama Buddha and the broader context of Buddhism. Key sites in this district include Tilaurakot, believed to be the ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom where Prince Siddhartha spent his early years, Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Araurakot, Sagarhawa, and Sisaniya. Each of these sites holds its own unique religious and spiritual significance, contributing to the district's rich historical tapestry.

Nawalparasi
Nawalparasi district, once part of the ancient Koliya Kingdom, is significant as the maternal homeland of Queen Mayadevi, the mother of Lord Gautama Buddha. The district is home to the Ramagrama Stupa, which is believed to contain the only remaining bodily relics of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism. Another important site in Nawalparasi is Panditpur, associated with the ancient Koliya Kingdom.

The Greater Lumbini Area: A Buddhist Pilgrimage and Spiritual Destination
The Greater Lumbini Area stands as a major destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and spiritual exploration. National and international efforts are underway to develop and promote the Greater Lumbini Buddhist Circuit, connecting Lumbini, Ancient Kapilavastu, Devadaha, and Ramagrama. These four sites have been visited by numerous Buddhist scholars, spiritual leaders, and pilgrims throughout history, including the great Indian Emperor Ashoka and renowned Chinese travelers like Tseng Tsai, Fa-Hsien, and Hiuen-Tsang.
In summary, the Greater Lumbini Area is a region of immense archaeological and spiritual importance, offering a rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage. It continues to attract scholars, pilgrims, and tourists from around the world, all drawn by its profound connection to the life and legacy of Lord Gautama Buddha and the other two Buddhas, Krakucchanda and Kanakamuni.