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Lumbini

8 Months ago   June 29, 2024   Visted:1183  

LUMBINI

Significance of Lumbini


Situated in the Terai plains of Rupandehi district in southern Nepal, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.


According to legend, Mayadevi, the queen of Sakya king Suddhodhana of Kapilavastu, was passing through the Lumbini Garden on her way to the maternal hometown of Devadaha (ancient Koliya kingdom). She felt labor pains, supported by a tree branch, she gave birth to Prince Siddhartha on Baisakh Purnima (the full moon of the first month of the Nepali calendar) in 623 BCE in Lumbini Garden. Buddhist scriptures state that the newborn prince took seven steps and proclaimed himself the "foremost of all beings" and that this would be his last birth.


Lumbini is one of the four sacred sites that Lord Buddha later advised his disciples to visit. According to the Mahaparinirvana Sutta, Buddha highlighted the importance of Lumbini, stating that those who visit the site with devotion and die there will be reborn in a good destination.


The Buddha highlighted the importance of Lumbini from his deathbed: "Ananda, This (Lumbini) place is where the Tathagata was born, this is a place, which should be visited and seen by a person of devotion and which would cause awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence. At this place, Ananda, who are on a pilgrimage to (this) shrine, if they should die with devotion in their heart during the course of the pilgrimage, will after (their) death and dissolution of the body be reborn in a good destination, a fortunate celestial realm" (Mahaparinirvana Sutta). 


Recognizing Lumbini's outstanding universal value, UNESCO enlisted it as a World Heritage Site in 1997. In 1998, the first World Buddhist Summit was held in Lumbini, declaring it the "Fountain of World Peace". In 2016, on the 2560th Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday), the Nepali government convened the International Buddhist Conference which declared Lumbini as the "Birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and the Fountain of Buddhism and World Peace"


History of Lumbini 
Buddhist scriptures recount that the Bodhisattva descended from Tushita Heaven and entered Queen Mayadevi's womb, where he resided peacefully for ten months. The queen had a profound dream in which a great white elephant, holding a lotus in its trunk, entered her side. Brahmins and hermits, summoned to interpret the dream, prophesied that the forthcoming prince would either become a universal monarch or a great saint (Buddha).


Queen Mayadevi, the consort of King Śuddhodana of the Sakya clan in ancient Kapilavastu, journeyed to visit her father, King Suprabuddha of the Koliya kingdom. Accompanied by her royal entourage, she traversed the verdant Lumbini grove, a serene garden adorned with sal trees, vibrant fruits, and flowers, and alive with the hum of bees and birdsong. It was the month of Vaisakha Poornima (Full Moon Day of the first month of the Nepali calendar) of 623 BCE. While walking in the garden, the queen took a bath in the Puskarini pond. After bathing, she proceeded 25 paces to the north, where she felt labor pains. Supporting herself by grasping a branch of a tree, she gave birth to the holy prince.


The newborn prince emerged from his mother's side, standing and stretching out his limbs like a radiant young sun descending from the heavens. He was described as a gem encased in a fine cloth—stainless, untainted, and free from the impurities that burden ordinary mortals at birth. Miraculously, pure water showers fell from the sky, honoring the advent of the Awakened One and refreshing both the queen and her prince. The future Sakyamuni Buddha took seven steps to the north, surveyed the ten directions of the Lumbini garden, and declared, "This is my final birth; henceforth, there will be no rebirth for me." The procession returned to Kapilavastu, and the newborn prince was named Siddhartha.


While the early Buddhist scriptures were transcribed more than three centuries after the Buddha's death, they were initially preserved through oral tradition. Today, authentic information on the historical Lumbini (also referred to as Lumbini Upavana or Lumbini Vāṭikā) and the nativity events has been derived from textual narratives, accounts of celebrated travelers, and archaeological evidence, including religious structures and anthropological remains. These sources consistently affirm that Lord Sakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in the 7th century BCE.

Archaeological evidence, historical references, and travel accounts by renowned pilgrims and travelers, including eminent Chinese pilgrims, alongside sacred Buddhist scriptures, collectively confirm Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. The Asoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BCE, with its inscriptions, serves as the most reliable testament to this fact.


In 1896, General Khadga Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, governor of Palpa, and Dr. Alois Führer, a prominent archaeological surveyor in British India, rediscovered the Asoka Pillar, reaffirming Lumbini as the Buddha's birthplace. This rediscovery and the subsequent interpretation of the pillar's inscriptions attracted global attention from archaeologists and historians. Another surveyor, P.C. Mukherji, conducted excavations in 1899 and identified the Nativity Sculpture and structural remains around the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha.


Further excavations by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), the Department of Archaeology (DoA), and the Japan Buddhist Federation (JBF) between 1992 and 1995 in the Mayadevi complex unearthed the Marker Stone, significant archaeological remains, shrines, and ruins of the ancient Mayadevi Temple. These findings have further reinforced Lumbini's status as the birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha, as attested by the Asoka Pillar inscription.


Lumbini Master Plan 
In 1967, U Thant, the then United Nations Secretary-General, visited Lumbini on a pilgrimage. Deeply impressed by the sanctity of the site, he discussed the matter with King Mahendra of Nepal and advised the Nepalese government to develop Lumbini as an international pilgrimage and tourist center. The Nepalese government subsequently commissioned the renowned Japanese architect, Professor Kenzo Tange, to design a master plan for the systematic development of Lumbini. The Lumbini Development Master Plan was approved by the Nepalese government in 1978.


The Lumbini Master Plan, which covers an area of 1x3 square miles, is oriented along the north-south axis and is divided into three zones: (1) the Sacred Garden, (2) the Monastic Zone, and (3) the Cultural Center and New Lumbini Village. Each zone covers an area of approximately one square mile.


After the establishment of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) in 1985, development activities in Lumbini, including excavations and conservation of the holy complex, have been carried out under the aegis of the Trust. The development of Lumbini in line with the approved Lumbini Master Plan is an ongoing process.


The Sacred Garden  
The Sacred Garden is the epicenter of the Master Plan and comprises the sacred birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. This zone includes historical monuments and objects of high archaeological, religious, and spiritual value, such as the Mayadevi Temple, the Asoka Pillar, the Marker Stone, the Nativity Sculpture, the Sacred Pond, and various structural ruins, including Buddhist Viharas and Stupas. The Sacred Garden's landscape is encircled by a Circular Pond and a Circular Levee, which symbolize the purity and simplicity of the mandala, a mystic symbol of the universe.


Major Monuments in the Sacred Garden 
The Sacred Garden in Lumbini is one of the most revered Buddhist sites, featuring archaeological remains and shrines of immense religious and spiritual significance. Known as Pradimoksha-vana or Lumbini Game (village) in Buddhist scriptures, this site houses several major monuments, the construction of which began shortly after the Mahaparinirvana (bodily demise) of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha and continued through the centuries.


Mayadevi Temple: At the heart of Lumbini lies the Mayadevi Temple, marking the birthplace of the Buddha. This temple houses the Marker Stone, the Nativity Sculpture, and various archaeological ruins. Excavations have shown that the temple has undergone multiple phases of construction and restoration over the centuries, with the earliest evidence dating back to the 6th century BC. A pre-Mauryan brick structure was uncovered during recent excavations. The current Mayadevi Temple was reconstructed in 2003 by the Lumbini Development Trust.


The Marker Stone: The Marker Stone designates the exact spot where Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini. Discovered during meticulous excavations of the Mayadevi Temple between 1992 and 1996, it rests atop a platform made of seven layers of bricks from the 3rd century BC. Chinese traveler Hsuan Tsang, in 636 AD, described the Marker Stone as being 25 steps north of the sacred pond. This sandstone-based conglomerate measures 70 cm x 40 cm x 10 cm.


The Nativity Sculpture: The Nativity Sculpture depicts the birth scene of Prince Siddhartha. Queen Mayadevi is shown holding a tree branch, with Prajapati Gautami supporting her during delivery, while the newborn prince stands on a lotus pedestal. Two celestial beings, Brahma and Indra, are depicted receiving the infant Prince Siddhartha. This red sandstone sculpture, created in the Mathura School of Art in the 4th century, was discovered by P.C. Mukherji during his 1899 AD excavation.


Asoka Pillar: The Asoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC, stands as a testament to the birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. Its inscription, in Brahmi script and Pali language, confirms Lumbini as the sacred birthplace of the Buddha:


"King Piyadasi (Asoka), the beloved of the Gods, in the twentieth year of his reign, himself made a royal visit. Sakyamuni Buddha was born here, therefore the (birth spot) marker stone was worshipped and a stone pillar was erected. The lord having been born here, the tax of the Lumbini village reduced to the eighth part (only)."


Early Chinese travelers like Hiuen Tsang (636 AD) and Fa-hsien (399-413 AD) also documented the pillar, which was rediscovered in 1896 by Dr. A.A. Fuhrer and General Khadga Shumsher JBR. Originally composed of three parts— a monolithic pillar, a lotus-shaped bracket, and a crowning figure (possibly a horse) — the present pillar stands at 30 feet 10.5 inches (9.41m), with almost half buried underground. The lotus bracket is now displayed on a nearby brick platform, but the crowning figure has not been recovered.


The Sacred Pond (Puskarini): The Sacred Pond, known as Puskarini, is situated 25 paces southwest of the Marker Stone. It is believed that Queen Mayadevi bathed here before giving birth to Prince Siddhartha, who also received his first purification bath in this pond. Early Chinese travelers such as Fa-hsien and Hiuen Tsang described the pond in their accounts. Originally oval-shaped, it was remodeled with a brick embankment during excavations between 1933-1939 AD by Keshar Shumsher JBR. The current pond measures 24.90m x 24.85m x 4.83m. In 1996, two wells were discovered in the pond's northeast and southwest corners during cleaning.


Archaeological Remains: The Mayadevi Shrine is surrounded by numerous stupas and monasteries. To date, 31 stupas have been excavated in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini, categorized into 29 Votive Stupas, 1 Relic Stupa, and 1 Dhamma Stupa. These stupas, built from the 3rd century BC to the 8th or 9th century AD, span the Mauryan, Sunga, Kushana, and Gupta periods and exhibit a variety of designs and styles, including square, rectangular, and circular bases.


Two groups of monasteries have also been excavated in the southern and southeastern parts of the Mayadevi Temple within the Sacred Garden. The construction of these monasteries began in the 3rd century BC and continued until the 9th century AD, through the Mauryan, Kushana, and Gupta periods. These overlapping and crowded structures highlight the eagerness of devotees to be near the sacred birthplace of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha.


Dharmaswami Maharaja Buddha Vihara: Established in 1968, the Dharmaswami Maharaja Buddha Vihara is a Buddhist monastery in Lumbini, dedicated to honoring the Buddha and serving pilgrims. The vihara features a Dharma hall, monastic quarters, and well-maintained gardens, contributing to the serenity and aesthetics of the Lumbini sacred complex.


The monastery runs educational programs and hosts the annual Sakya Monlam Puja, a 10-day world peace ceremony attended by thousands, which also promotes Lumbini's tourism. The vihara follows the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, focusing on the Lam-dre, or "Path and Its Fruit" teaching, leading to the realization of Hevajra, the profound insight at the heart of Buddhist practice.


Rajkiya Buddha Vihara: Located near the Mayadevi Temple, the Rajkiya Buddha Vihara is a Theravada Buddhist monastery built in 2011 BS by the Dharmodaya Sabha Samity of Nepal. The vihara showcases classic Nepali architectural style and includes a main Dhamma hall housing elegant Buddha statues, a marble replica of the Nativity Sculpture, and beautiful wall paintings. Monastic residences are annexed to the hall, and the vihara also has a guesthouse and Dharmasala to accommodate devotees.


The monastery provides free medical services to local residents and pilgrims from its building located outside the master plan area. It offers a range of spiritual activities, including Dhamma talks, pujas (rituals), group prayers, image worship, and butter lamp offerings. Monks are available to arrange Buddha puja, mantra recitation, and blessings for visitors upon request.


The Sacred Garden in Lumbini, with its rich history and profound spiritual significance, remains a pivotal site for Buddhist pilgrims and scholars alike. The major monuments, collectively narrate the story of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha’s life and legacy.


Lumbini Monastic Zone
The Monastic Zone, which is located in the middle of the Master Plan, has been divided into two subzones by a 1.6 km long pedestrian walkway and a canal: 
a) The East Monastic Zone represents the Theravada (Hinayana) school of Buddhism, with 13 plots allocated for the construction of Viharas. 
b) The West Monastic Zone comprises 29 plots of land, each allocated for the construction of Mahayana monasteries. There are currently three meditation centers in operation in this zone. The Monastic Zone also features a Central Canal with boating facilities, the Eternal Peace Flame, and the Peace Bell.


The East Monastic Zone: The East Monastic Zone houses seven Theravada Buddhist monasteries and one Vipassana meditation center that are currently operational. Additionally,one more monasteries are under construction in this zone, representing the diversity of the Buddhist community in Lumbini. These include:

 

  • The Royal Thai Monastery (Thailand)
  • Bodhi Institute Monastery and Dharma Center
  • Mahabodhi Society Temple of India
  • Nepal Theravada Buddha Vihar (under construction)
  • Cambodian Temple
  • Myanmar Golden Temple (Myanmar)
  • International Gautami Nuns Temple (Nepal)
  • Sri Lankan Monastery (Sri Lanka)
  • Dhamma Janani Vipassana Center (Nepal)

The West Monastic Zone: The West Monastic Zone is home to a vibrant Mahayana Buddhist presence, with 18 monasteries and two meditation centers currently in operation. These establishments showcasing the growth and dynamism of the Buddhist community in Lumbini include:

 

  • Ka-Nying Shedrup Monastery (Seto Gumba, Nepal)
  • Zarong Tgupten Mendol Dogna Chholing (Nepal)
  • Urgen Dorjee Chholing Buddhist Center (Singapore)
  • Nepal Vajrayana Maha Vihara 
  • French Buddhist Association (France)
  • The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation, Germany)
  • Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center (Ladakh)
  • The World Linh Son Buddhist Congregation (France)
  • Sokyo Japanese Monastery
  • United Tungaram Buddhist Foundation (Nepal)
  • Thrangu Vajra Vidhya Buddhist Association (Canada)
  • Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam)
  • Geden International Monastery (Austria)
  • Chinese Monastery (China)
  • Dae Sung Shakya Temple (South Korea)
  • Drubgyud Chhoeling Monastery (Nepal Mahayana Temple)
  • Dharmodhaya Sabha Nepal (Swayambhu Mahavihara)
  • Karma Samtenling Monastery (Nepal)
  • Manang Samaj Stupa (Nepal)
  • Pandirarama Lumbini International Meditation Center (Myanmar)
  •  

This rich diversity of Buddhist monasteries in Lumbini reflects the global reach and influence of the Buddha's teachings, as well as the continued dedication of Buddhist communities from around the world to foster spiritual practices and preserve the legacy of the Enlightened One.


The Cultural Center and New Lumbini Village 
These spaces represent the "worldly" activities and provide information, accommodation, and utility facilities for pilgrims and visitors. This zone includes hotels, a visitor information center, the Lumbini Museum, the Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), an administration complex, and other sites of interest, such as the World Peace Pagoda of Japan and the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary. 


Visitor Information Centre (VIC): The VIC of the Lumbini Development Trust provides authentic information to tourists and visitors. It serves three main purposes: Disseminating information, maintaining visitor records, and collecting revenue. 


Visitors can rest at the center, get information, register, and pay fees before exploring the Mayadevi Temple and other sites. Highly trained staff offer free information and guide visitors. They are hospitable, helpful, and maintain high standards.


The centre disseminates information through briefings, publications, and site guidance. Visitors benefit from discussions on history, archaeology, Buddhism and philosophy. The centre provides information through official website: www.lumbinidevtrust.gov.np, email, and social media platforms. 


Lumbini Museum: Exploring the Buddha's Early Life: Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the Lumbini Museum stands as a striking architectural testament to the early life and spiritual journey of the historical Buddha.


The museum's collection of archaeological artifacts, meticulously excavated from Lumbini and Kapilavastu, offers visitors a tangible connection to the formative years of the Buddha. Terracotta figures, stone sculptures, and ancient coins immerse guests in the sacred stories and insights that shaped the Buddha's path to enlightenment. 


As a centerpiece of the Lumbini heritage complex, the museum seamlessly blends architectural excellence with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha's life, captivating and educating visitors while fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural and religious legacy of this hallowed site.


Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI): The Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI) was established to advance the field of Buddhist studies through systematic research and documentation. Housed within a modern complex, the institute provides a range of facilities to support its mission, including lecture rooms, a well-stocked library, and dedicated study spaces for scholars.


LIRI's library holds an expansive collection of Buddhist texts, manuscripts, journals, and research reports, serving as a rich resource for academic inquiry. The institute also publishes important Buddhist manuscripts, furthering the dissemination of this intellectual and spiritual tradition.


The LIRI complex was built with the financial support of Reiyukai, a Japanese organization, under an agreement with the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT). Reiyukai has also taken responsibility for the ongoing operation and management of this important institution.


By fostering rigorous academic research and facilitating the exchange of ideas, LIRI strives to deepen our understanding of Buddhism and its relevance in the modern world. As a center of excellence in the heart of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, the institute plays a vital role in preserving and advancing this profound philosophical and religious heritage. 


Lumbini Crane Sanctuary: The Lumbini Crane Sanctuary is a 256-hectare protected area within Lumbini Master Plan, dedicated to conserving the majestic Sarus Crane, a flagship species of the Lumbini region. Home to over 210 bird species, including 300 breeding pairs of Sarus Cranes, the sanctuary features five artificial wetlands that provide critical habitat. 


Managed by the Lumbini Crane Foundation in partnership with the International Crane Foundation, the sanctuary supports research, protection, and public education efforts. According to Buddhist tradition, the young Prince Siddhartha once rescued an injured Sarus Crane, embodying the Buddha's teachings on compassion for nature.


Visitors can enjoy guided bird watching, nature trails, and an annual Sarus Festival celebrating the cultural and ecological significance of these remarkable birds. The sanctuary serves as an important learning center, inspiring stewardship of Lumbini's natural heritage.


Learn more at www.lumbinicrane.org. 
Meditation Opportunities in Lumbini 
Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, offers a variety of meditation centers and programs for visitors seeking spiritual enrichment. These centers provide a serene environment for the practice of various meditation techniques, drawing on the region's deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.


Panditarama International Vipassana Meditation Centre: It is one of the prominent meditation centers is Lumbini, located in the western monastic zone of Lumbini. This center specializes in the Vipassana tradition of Buddhist meditation, offering both short-term and long-term courses for practitioners. 


Dhamma Janani Vipassana Centre: The Dhamma Janani Meditation Center in Lumbini is a tranquil retreat dedicated to Vipassana meditation, promoting mental purification through self-observation. Located in the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, the center offers courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Its serene environment, featuring meditation halls, residential quarters, and peaceful gardens, supports deep inner reflection and spiritual growth. By fostering mindfulness and insight, the center upholds Lumbini's spiritual heritage, attracting meditators worldwide seeking enlightenment and self-discovery. 


Osho Meditation Center: Beyond the main Lumbini heritage sites, the Osho Jetvan Village in Madhubani, Lumbini, also provides a space for spiritual seekers. This center offers daily meditation programs, monthly residential meditation camps, and Satsang (spiritual gatherings) on Saturday mornings. The Osho Jetvan Village also hosts annual celebrations of Osho and Buddha Purnima, and can arrange spiritual tours for Buddhist pilgrimages. 


These meditation centers, each with their distinct offerings, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the contemplative traditions of Buddhism, nurturing inner peace and personal growth amidst the sacred landscapes of Lumbini.


Lumbini's Natural Wonders 
In addition to its spiritual and cultural significance, Lumbini also attracts naturalists, botanists, and zoologists with its rich natural biodiversity. Visitors to the surrounding villages and natural sites can encounter the Sarus Crane, the preferred bird of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as various plant species revered in Buddhist tradition, such as the Asoka, Sal, Mango, and Pipal trees etc. 


The Lumbini Crane Sanctuary (LCS) and its associated farmlands have been designated as an International Bird Area (IBA) due to their remarkable biodiversity and unique ecosystems, which are home to hundreds of cranes and other avian species. The area also boasts a diverse array of mammals, including 27 species, and 44 types of fish, as well as herds of Blue Bulls.


Other notable natural attractions and biodiversity hotspots in and around Lumbini include:

 

  • The serene natural environment within the Sacred Garden and Monastic Zones
  • Lumbini Crane Sanctuary in the New Lumbini Village
  • Wetlands such as Karbala Lake, Punnihawa Lake, Tharunika Lake, Hatihawa Lake, and Balrampur Lake
  • Bat habitats and important rivers for birdwatching, such as Telar, Dano, and Kothi
  • Gaidahawa Lake, famous for its vultures and Blue Bulls
  • Gajedi, known for its beautiful lakes with blooming lotus flowers

The area is home to over 250 bird species, including the world's tallest flying bird, the Sarus Crane, as well as endangered species like the Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and White-rumped Vulture. Additionally, threatened animals such as pythons, Blue Bulls, Bengal Foxes, Wildcats, and Wild Boars can be found in and around Lumbini. 


The Telar and Dano rivulets are important habitats for birds, further highlighting the ecological richness and natural diversity that Lumbini has to offer.
2.4     Entry Formalities 
When visiting the Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini, there are a few important things to keep in mind: 

  • Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
  • Modest, respectful clothing is preferred when visiting the sacred shrine.
  • Entrance tickets are mandatory and must be purchased.
  • Food and drinks should be left outside the temple at the entrance.

You can purchase your entrance tickets through the following QR code or by visiting the website tickets.lumbinidevtrust.gov.np. 


The current Lumbini Development Conservation Fee rates are:

  • Nepali Nationals: Rs. 20 per day
  • Indian Nationals: Rs. 80 per day
  • SAARC Nationals (including Myanmar): Rs. 400 per day
  • Other Country Passport Holders: Rs. 700 per day
  • Meditation Pass (SAARC): Rs. 500 for 12 days
  • Meditation Pass (Others): Rs. 1,000 for 12 days

Please note that the conservation fee is waived for monks, nuns, persons with disabilities, and local residents of the three surrounding districts. Additionally, there are separate charges for filming and taking photographs with professional cameras, as displayed on the boards at the ticketing counters.


2.5     Recommended Activities in Lumbini 

  • Pilgrimage and spiritual visit to the Mayadevi Temple, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites that enshrines the Marker Stone, a testimony to the birth of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha.
  • Explore the International Monastic Zone, engaging in meditation and yoga sessions for a spiritually awakening and intellectually enlightening experience.
  • Sightseeing tour to experience the exceptional cultural beauty, local architecture, and traditions in the surrounding rural villages.
  • Cycling tour through the rural villages, green paddy fields, and nearby wetland sites.
  • Visit the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and nearby wetland areas to observe the natural landscapes of exceptional beauty and rich biodiversity, including the sacred lotus and the Sarus crane, Lord Sakyamuni Buddha's preferred bird. 

2.6 Access to Lumbini 

  • Regular flights connect Kathmandu to Bhairahawa from Tribhuvan International Airport every day. The 35-minute flight covers the distance between the two cities, offering a quick and convenient way to travel from 1,300 feet to 300 feet. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a car or taxi to drive the 18 km to Lumbini.
  • Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Lumbini, which takes around 10-11 hours and covers approximately 280 km. Buses depart twice daily at 7 AM and 7 PM, and a bus ticket costs around NPR 1,500-2,000 or USD 15-20.
  • Buses also run from other major cities in Nepal, such as Pokhara and Chitwan, to Lumbini. Moreover, local buses operate regularly between Lumbini and the local bus stand in Bhairahawa, with the journey taking 1-1.5 hours and costing NPR 80-100.
  • Visitors can also enter Nepal overland from India through various border entry points, including Kakadbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Banbasa, and then travel by road to Lumbini.


2.7 Distance from major destinations to Lumbini

  • Kathmandu to Lumbini: 280 km
  • Chitwan to Lumbini: 170 km
  • Palpa to Lumbini: 85 km
  • Pokhara to Lumbini: 227 km
  • Nepalgunj to Lumbini: 233 km
  • Gorakhpur (India) to Lumbini: 122 km
  • Kusinagar (India) to Lumbini: 181 km
  • Varanasi (India) to Lumbini: 312 km
  • Bodhgaya (India) to Lumbini: 525 km
  • Sarnath (India) to Lumbini: 337 km
  • Nalanda (India) to Lumbini: 473 km
  • Lucknow (India) to Lumbini: 308 km
  • Sravasti (India) to Lumbini: 240 km
     

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