The birthplace of Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is traditionally believed to be Lumbini, a sacred site located in present-day Nepal. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide.
Located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal, Lumbini is approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) west of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is situated near the Indian border, close to the city of Kapilavastu, where Siddhartha Gautama spent his early years as a prince.
Lumbini is known for its Maya Devi Temple, which is built around a sacred garden believed to be the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi, Siddhartha Gautama’s mother, gave birth to him in 563 BCE. The temple complex also includes the Ashoka Pillar, erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, which bears an inscription identifying Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.
The site attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world who come to pay their respects, meditate, and explore the ancient ruins and monastic remains in the surrounding area. Lumbini serves as a reminder of the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
