Lumbini : Past, Present & Future

by Dr. Basanta Bidari (retired Chief Archeologist at Lumbini),shared his research at Samadhi Viharaon Thursday 21st November 2013.For a video recording of the session (in parts), go to ...Part 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY8HbLTDOD4Part 2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySWenEfJLxMPart 3http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ1Ur264gpgPart 4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MF1bzWAyULumbini: Lumbini in southern Nepal is where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha. It is just a short distance from the Shakya capital of Kapilavastu. Pilgrimages focus on the sacred garden which contains the site of the birth, the Mayadevi temple, the Pashkarni pond and the Ashoka pillar. Emperor Ashoka of erstwhile Magadha Kingdom of India made a pilgrimage here in the 3rd century BC and erected a world famous pillar with inscription stating- "Here the Buddha was born". Several sites of religious significance like the holy tree and the pond related to the Buddha's life, and the stupas and shrines that dot the area make it an interesting place to immerse yourself into Buddha's life. The temple of Maya Devi, Lord Buddha's mother, has been recently renovated under the vigilance of UNESCO. Several foreign monasteries and stupas have been constructed in Lumbini.More on Lumbini- Photographic source ...- Posted by CFFong