Saturday, August 28, 2010

Lumbini Nepal

Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the centre of holy faith for the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Located in south-western Nepal, Lumbini holds several reminders of Lord Buddha. One of the most important historical sites in Nepal is endowed by nature with rich natural beauty.

Fast facts

Location South-western Nepal

Importance One of the most important historical sites in the country, UNESCO

world heritage site
Known For Religious historical sites
Nearby Attraction Kapilvastu
Tourist Attractions

Lumbini Garden
The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a plce of reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples surround the garden.

Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of Buddha is inscribed on it.

Mayadevi Temple

Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of discovering the temple, in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist. The temple is remarkable in the way Maya Devi is shown giving birth to Lord Buddha.

Pushkarni Pool

Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in the pond. Brick steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green water.

Kushinagar

Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas and chaityas which remind us of the mahaparinirvana.

Bodhgaya

The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The legand narrates that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of senai and sat on a kusa grass mat under a pipal tree. Here he resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was attianed. Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.

Maha Bodhi Temple

The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Bodhi Tree

Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree.

Kapilvastu Excursion

Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha was born here in the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Kapilvastu is 27km from Lumbini.

Kathmandu Valley

Experience the wilderness and the culture. Walk through colorful narrow streets, large towns to the untouched surrounding villages and foothills. Buddhist monasteries, Stupas, Temples and with their almost mediaeval atmosphere. Besides that here are many ancient places around the kingdom and primitive houses around the Kathmandu valley to make your stay relish.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Also known as Hanuman Dhoka, is a complex of temples and monuments including the old Royal palace, the Kasthamandap which is constructed from the wood of a single tree. Near by this stated living godess Kumari.

Swayambunath

A two thousand year old Buddhist Stupa, situated on a hillock about 75m above the level of the city. If offers a scenic view of the valley. One of the World's largest and oldest

Bouddhnath

Buddhist Stupa at Boudha lies 8kms West of Kathmandu. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels that has all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Pashupatinath

Famous Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva , situated 5Kms East of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. Thousands of Hindu Pilgrims undertake long and strenuous journeys to visit this temple. It is a source of divine attraction and is the symbol of peace and prosperity.

Bhaktapur

located at 16 kms East of Kathmandu, includes the famous Golden Gate, the palace of 55 windows, innumerable temples. Nearby are the Duttreya Square, a treasure house of ancient wood carving, and the Nyatapola temple, the tallest pagoda structure in the valley.

Patan

Patan locally referred to as Lalitpur and situated at the south of Kathmandu is the second largest town in the valley. Patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16 th, 17 th and 18 th centuries. Numerous temples of widely divers style as well as many Buddhist monasteries are scattered around the fascinating town. The city is famous for its crafts and metal works, which are wonderful souvenirs to be carried home.

Pokhara

A place gifted by the nature with a scenic diversity and another prestigious recognition for Nepal , the Annapurna region is as one of the best 12 walk in the world. Paddy fields terraced hillsides, Hindu shrines Gurkha and Tibetan villages, subtropical forests, mountain passes, and amazing backdrops of the snow-covered Himalayan chains and the peaks make this regions spectacular as the hike to Everest base camp. The circuit trip can be combined Manaslu trek take 20-22 days, starting from Dhading and ending at Pokhara 75 miles Northwest from Kathmandu.

From terraced field, you climb past rhododendron forest, across suspension bridges through one of the world's deepest gorge between Dhaulagiri and mountaineer's historical mountain the Annapurna. Pokhara is a very relaxing and pleasant tourist town set on the placid turquoise waters of Lake Phewa, a setting of great beauty and tranquility

Janakpur

Janakpur is believed to have been the capital of the Mithila Kingdom in mythical times. An important pilgrimage site, Janakpur has many shrines dedicated to Ram, Sita and other Hindu deities.

No comments:

Post a Comment