A walk through the birthplace of Buddha
In the south of Nepal, just off the border with India, is Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha, the founder of one of the world's largest religions. The center is the Maya Devi Temple, which is surrounded by historic ruins. There are also many modern temples and more are being built. Every country where Buddhism is an important religion also wants to have its own temple here. Thanks to that, you have such a small Buddhist trip around the world here.
Ancient ruins in Lumbini
The interesting thing about Lumbini is that the whole church zone is a huge rectangle 4.8×1.6 km, where there are only sacred buildings and there can be nothing else. It is so relatively large for a walking tour and tourists often choose a bike path for faster transfers. At the southern end is the holiest part. Of the historic church, however, only the brick foundations remain.
Maya Devi Temple
The center of this historic part of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, built next to the sacred pool.
Sacred Tree Bodhi - Ficus religiosa
Next to it grows the sacred ficus-shaped Bodhi tree (the tree of enlightenment). This type of tree is sacred to Buddhists because under one of them Siddhartha Gautama was enlightened and thus became a Buddha (enlightened).
Ashoka's column
There is also Ashoka's Column, several similar ones are scattered throughout India – which can be quite a big travel challenge to visit all the places where it stands.
Eternal fire
After visiting the Maya Devi Temple, head north. Here you will encounter eternal fire – Eternal Flame. From here, temples built thanks to the donations of individual Buddhist countries begin. It is interesting that on the east side there are temples from the Theravada form of Buddhism (countries of Southeast Asia) and on the west side the directions of Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tibet, Ladakh)
Big Bell - Dharma Ghanta
On the way to the Burmese temple – the golden pagoda you will pass a big bell – Dharma Ghanta
Nepalese temple
The second temple on the patrol is Nepalese. However, the atmosphere is far from equal to, for example, Boudhanath in Kathmandu.
Burmese golden pagoda
You really can't confuse the Burmese golden pagoda with another temple here.
Thai temple
From the Burmese temple and pagoda, continue north, where there is a snow-white Thai temple
At the German temple
You may be surprised, but one of the largest temples in Lumbini is the German one. It is located in a picturesque location by a large body of water.
In front of the German temple
The German temple is one of the largest. It is also surrounded by a nice garden with statues.
Gardens of the German Temple
For example, you can turn a huge prayer mill in the garden of the German Temple.
Chinese temple
One of the largest temples in Lumbini is the Chinese.
Construction of Lumbini
The entire temple area is still under construction, so you will see new and new temples every time you visit. The only thing missing from this place of pilgrimage is a more historical atmosphere.