Nepal is geographically small but rich in religious, cultural, and tourist attractions. It is a landlocked country in the middle of Asia, bordering China to the north and India to the east, west, and south. Even though the country is small in size, it contains a separate world, ranging from 60 meters above sea level in Kechana Kalan, Jhapa to the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest (8848.86 meters), implying that the nation is a perfect blend of culture and nature. This fascinating country is home to snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, enchanting waterfalls, rivers, hills, evergreen forests, a diverse flora and fauna, as well as the culture and traditions of numerous ethnic and indigenous communities. Besides this, you can DISCOVER HISTORY OF BUDDHISM IN NEPAL and is the perfect destination for you.
Nepal is not only rich in natural heritage, but it also boasts a wealth of sources that portray the country’s illustrious history. Given the diversity of culture and tradition, it is obvious that multiple religions exist. According to the 2011 census, the majority of the population is Hindu, accounting for 81.3%, followed by Buddhism (9%), Muslims, and Christians in that order, and then other religions.
As described by UNESCO, “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations” and this magical country has 4 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO which are Chitwan National Park; Kathmandu Valley; Lumbini, The Birthplace of The Lord Buddha and Sagarmatha National Park. Therefore, Nepal is the perfect destination to DISCOVER HISTORY OF BUDDHISM.
Lumbini, The Birthplace of The Lord Shakyamuni Buddha was inscribed in 1997 by the World Heritage Convention, UNESCO, based on the certain criteria bearing a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living, or which has disappeared to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. Lumbini is thus regarded as one of the world’s sacred sites for one of the world’s main faiths, “Buddhism”. DISCOVER HISTORY OF BUDDHISM IN NEPAL with Access the Asia Treks.
Siddhartha Gautam was born as a prince in 623 B.C. into a royal family of an old Shakya kingdom located 29 km west of Lumbini, around 300 km south-west of Kathmandu, amid the foothills of the Siwalik range, which is the ancient Kapilvastu district of Nepal, which is also the current Kapilvastu district. Furthermore, the name “Kapilvastu” was given by the great sage Kapila, who conducted penance there and encouraged the expelled princes and princesses of the Kosala kingdom to settle in present day Tilaurakot. DISCOVER HISTORY OF BUDDHISM IN NEPAL as the perfect destination with such artifacts and details around the place.
These royal progeny of the Kosala monarchy were later known as the Sakyas, and their domain was Kapilvastu, where Prince Siddhartha spent the first 29 years of his worldly life. At the age of 29, he abandoned his luxury life to follow the holy quest after observing:
An elderly person
A sick person
A funeral procession
A wise man (Sage)
He left through the eastern portal, the Mahabhinishkramana Dwara, during a full moon night. Lumbini represents the beginning of Buddha’s awakening path, encouraging people worldwide to practice mindfulness, compassion, and meditation in order to find their inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. He meditated over the years, and finally, after attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautam began his preaching from Sarnatha. He taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which the pilgrims later reflected upon.
With the rise of Siddhartha Gautam, Buddhism gained popularity and expanded throughout Asia. Buddhists hold that achieving enlightenment, or nirvana, is the key to escaping the cycle of sorrow and reincarnation that characterizes human life. Following his attainment of enlightenment, Gautam Buddha stated in his final days that people should travel to Lumbini, where he was born; Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, where he began teaching; and Kushinagar, where he died. The teachings of Gautam Buddha were understood in many ways at the time of his death, and they are also recorded in several Buddhist textbooks.
However, the teachings have evolved into new forms of Buddhism in response to the shifting social demands and environmental changes. However, Gautam Buddha was born in the Lumbini area, it is and will always be the most sacred spot on earth for all kinds of Buddhists.
An archaeologically important place near Kapilvastu
The main objective of this tour is to gain experience of site visit and you get an opportunity to get knowledge about the birth place of Gautam Buddha and the archaeological importance of the places nearby which are briefly described below:
Lumbini:
Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is historically significant as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha. Located in the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu, Lumbini holds a sacred place in Buddhist tradition and has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. The most prominent feature of Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which marks the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE. The temple complex includes a sacred pond and the Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to commemorate his visit. The pillar’s inscription is a critical piece of historical evidence that elaborates Lumbini’s significance in ancient times.
Archaeological excavations at Lumbini have revealed a wealth of artifacts and structural remnants that provide insight into the region’s ancient history and religious practices. The site has unearthed various stupas, monastic ruins, and inscriptions that date back to the Maurya and Gupta periods. Notably, the discovery of a sandstone sculpture depicting Queen Maya Devi and an ancient nativity scene underscores the site’s long-standing religious significance. These findings have not only confirmed the historical accounts of Lumbini but also shed light on the architectural and artistic developments in ancient Kapilvastu.
In addition to its historical and religious importance, Lumbini’s archaeological features offer a window into the socio-cultural life of ancient Kapilvastu. The layout of the monastic complexes, the design of the stupas, and the artifacts found, such as pottery and tools, suggest a well-established settlement with a rich cultural and spiritual life. The continuous excavation and preservation efforts in Lumbini contribute to our understanding of the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu, illustrating its role as a pivotal center for early Buddhism and its enduring legacy in the cultural heritage of the region.
According to the Lumbini Development Trust “In the 1930s, General Keshar Shumsher carried out large-scale excavations at the holy complex of Lumbini. He exposed ruins of some ancient stupas and monasteries, restored the Sacred Pond and reconstructed Mayadevi Temple.”
Ramagrama
The stupa is roughly 9 kilometers from the east-west route and 35 km east of Lumbini. The Stupa is conveniently located on the road leading from Kathmandu to Lumbini, or vice versa, making it simple to visit. The mother of Lord Buddha lived in the village of Ramgram in the Devdaha dynasty. Numerous ruins have been discovered during the area’s excavation. Ramgram Stupa, which is regarded as one of the holiest since the Buddha’s remains are thought to have not yet been touched, is in a terrible situation, much like many other monuments from the time of Buddha. Only the raised dome is visible in the field.
Ramagram (35 Km east of Lumbini), located in the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu in present-day Nepal, is home to the Ramagram Stupa, often referred to as the “Virgin Stupa.” This stupa is unique among Buddhist stupas as it remains unopened and intact, preserving the Buddha’s relics within. Unlike other stupas which were distributed and divided by Emperor Ashoka, the Ramagram Stupa’s relics were left undisturbed, making it a rare and highly revered site guarded by Snakes and Elephants. Archaeological features of the stupa include its original brick structure and an untouched mound, offering a pristine example of early Buddhist architecture and devotional practices. The site’s undisturbed nature provides invaluable insights into the construction techniques and religious reverence of ancient Kapilvastu, making it a crucial site for understanding the region’s historical and spiritual heritage.
Tilaurakot
Tilaurakot is located 3 km northwest of Taulihawa and 29 km west of Lumbini. Lord Sakyamuni Buddha spent 29 years of his early life in Tilaurakot, which is known as the historical capital of Kapilvastu, the Shakya kingdom. UNESCO has identified it as a Tentative World Heritage site.
Kudan
For Buddhists, Kudan is a significant archaeological site. Kudan, another name for Nigrodharam, lies 25 kilometers south of Toulihawa. The Buddha established his relationship with his son Rahul here, and King Suddhodhana met Siddhartha there. Shuddhodhan is thought to have constructed such a massive building in order to meet his son for the first time. In the local dialect, kudan means “to jump.” Some of the mounds were described by Isa PC Mukherjee in 1899. After conducting an excavation, Devalamitra, who joined the Archaeological Survey of India in 1962, came to the conclusion that the temple was constructed in the seventh century and reconstructed in the ninth.
Gotihawa
Several Buddhist texts in Gotihava mention the birth of Krakuchanda Buddha. About 4 kilometers southwest of Taulihawa is Gotihawa. A pillar built by the Indian Emperor Ashoka on a pilgrimage in the third century BC adds even more significance to it. Krakuchanda Buddha is claimed to have had a lion statue on top of a pillar built by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC, and it is thought that antiques and relics from his time are kept in Gotihava.
Sagarhawa
It is said that the Shakyas were massacred at Sagarhawa. The distance north of Toulihawa is roughly 9 km. According to archaeologists, the opposition slaughtered over 77,000 Shakyas here. Approximately twelve stupas were constructed in honor of the Shakya clan members.
Niglihawa
Buddha was born at Niglihawa under Kanak. The Buddha’s stupa under Kanak was expanded in the fourteenth year of Emperor Ashoka’s coronation, and in the twentieth year, he himself built a pillar to show his reverence and regard for the stupa. Many tourists also visit the location of the Buddha’s stupa and pillar.
Araurakot
Araurakot is the place where Kanakamuni Buddha resided, grew up, and spent his married life. It is situated roughly 10 km northeast of Taulihawa and 1.4 km east of Niglihawa. The ancient, destroyed city was closer to the Nigalisagar to the east, according to archaeologist T. N. Mishra’s 1977 description. The joint archaeological team of Nepali-Italian archaeologists (1996-1997) has identified nine archaeological sites including Araurakot in this area. A UNESCO-led joint geophysical survey of LDT, DoA, and Durham University, the UK under the JFIT project in 2015 unveiled many huge structural ruins underneath the citadel.
For Buddhists, Kapilvastu is a sacred place that includes Tilaurakot, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Kudan, Sagarhawa, and Araurakot. Sadly, it has remained hidden from the outside world, both from pilgrims and visitors. On May 23, 1996, Tilaurakot was named a tentative World Heritage Site. In order to record Tilaurakot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is crucial that this study discover, examine, and analyze the testaments that have been found, such as the ruins of the durbar area, moat, monastrial structure, pond, water tank, etc. There are also ongoing excavations within the ancient city of Kapilvastu that reveal the ancient history that will be important for both history and the tourism industry.
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the ancient Kingdom of Kapilvastu stretched between Koliyas on the east and Kosala on the west. During the reign of King Suddhodhana, father of Prince Siddhartha Gautam, it was renowned as a prosperous kingdom. At the age of 29, Prince Siddhartha Gautam left Kapilvastu in pursuit of truth and became enlightened as Buddha. He did not return to dwell in Kapilvastu, and the country began to gradually deteriorate after King Suddhodhana’s death.
Kapilvastu was left completely abandoned and barren for a long time. It fell into oblivion and was irreparably destroyed. Although the exact cause of Kapilvastu’s desolation is unknown, some building had already begun long after the site had fallen into ruin. The monasteries and stupas constructed on the remains of the royal precincts were mentioned by Huien Tsian during his visit in the sixth century A.D.
However, the identification of Kapilvastu was treated as settled, based on the overwhelming evidence provided by the archaeological sites and antiquities around Tilaurakot until the discovery of two more caskets below Peppe’s coffer in 1972 by K.M. Srivastava complicated the matter further by bringing up the new theory of Piprahwa as the original Kapilvastu of the Sakya Clan. He put forward various conjectural hypotheses regarding the relics and the location of Kapilvastu. He was more obsessed with his belief that Piprahwa was the original city of Kapilvastu than analyzing the real facts discovered in Piprahwa and Tilaurakot.
Today Piprahwa is being recognized & developed as the ancient city of Kapilvastu in India and Tilaurakot is being developed as the original site of Kapilvastu in Nepal which sounds quite untrue. Various scholars supporting their opinions & vices about the actual location of Kapilvastu came forward with many arguments, reasons, evidence & facts. Actual historical facts and figures with archaeological evidence will be considered rather than depending upon the mythical legends, romances, stories & hypothetical presumptions.
As A. Cunningham (1871) has rightly said, “The monuments themselves cannot enable us to indicate the real site, unless an ancient description of the monuments is found or it speaks through the inscriptions.” In Kapilvastu we have today the remains of the monument erected in 3rd century BC with clear-cut inscription left behind by King Ashoka and also seen later by the travelers who visited the site in 6th century AD. They are the most reliable and authentic evidence supporting the actual identification of Kapilvastu. This vital evidence has been passed by K.M. Srivastava. (Coningham, et al).
TILAURAKOT PALACE
Tilaurakot, identified with the ancient city of Kapilvastu, is widely believed to be the childhood home of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. The site has been a focal point of archaeological interest for over a century. Initial explorations were conducted by renowned archaeologists like Dr. A. Fuhrer in the late 19th century, and further significant excavations were carried out by the Department of Archaeology of Nepal in collaboration with international teams from Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These excavations have revealed extensive ruins that include remnants of fortifications, gates, and residential structures, providing valuable insights into the urban planning and architectural sophistication of the Shakya kingdom.
Recent excavations at Tilaurakot have brought to light more detailed aspects of the ancient palace complex. Led by a joint team from the Department of Archaeology of Nepal and Durham University, these efforts have employed modern archaeological techniques, including ground-penetrating radar and advanced dating methods, to gain a deeper understanding of the site. The excavations have uncovered new structures, including what is believed to be a central administrative complex and additional residential quarters. These findings have not only expanded our knowledge of the layout and scale of the palace but also provided a more nuanced understanding of its construction and usage over time.
The Samai Mai Temple, located within the Tilaurakot complex, holds significant historical and cultural importance. This temple, dedicated to the local deity Samai Mai, has been a center of worship for centuries, reflecting the syncretic religious practices of the region. The temple’s architecture, characterized by traditional Newari craftsmanship, showcases the blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences that permeate the cultural landscape of Kapilvastu. The continuous veneration of Samai Mai highlights the enduring spiritual legacy of the site and its importance in the local community.
One of the most notable features uncovered in the recent excavations is the Eastern Gate of Tilaurakot. This gate, constructed with large, well-cut bricks and stones, served as a major entry point to the ancient city. This gate is also very important as Gautam Buddha left the palace in search of enlightenment from this gate.
The red zone area has been announced by the Government who is planning to shift the houses and habitat of people around the palace and make it the sacred place for the people all over the world.
The recent discoveries at Tilaurakot, including the detailed excavation of the Eastern Gate and the Samai Mai Temple, have significantly enhanced our understanding of the ancient kingdom of Kapilvastu. The collaborative efforts of archaeologists from Nepal and international institutions have not only enriched our knowledge of the site’s historical and cultural context but also ensured its preservation for future generations. These excavations have underscored Tilaurakot’s importance as a key archaeological and historical site, offering a tangible connection to the life and times of the Buddha and the vibrant cultural heritage of ancient Kapilvastu.
The major monuments that were uncovered from Tilaurakot:
The Western Gate
Central Structural Complex
The Central Pond
Samai Mai Temple
The Eastern Gate (Mahabhiniskramana Dwara)
The Fortification Wall
The Northern Twins Stupa (Dhamnihawa Stupa)
The Southern Industrial Mound
Eastern Stupa (Kanthak) and Monastery
The Western Gate
The city gates were where farmers, merchants, pilgrims and inhabitants would enter and exit the ancient city. The western gate was excavated by the DoA and evidence of a wooden door was uncovered at the western gate.
Central Structural Complex
The Central Structural Complex consists of conserved rectangular brick structures. Recent geophysical survey has identified similar structures between roads and lanes oriented on the cardinal directions forming a grid iron city layout across the entire site. Recent excavations have uncovered some of these structures at various points within Tilaurakot.
The Central Pond
To the west of the Central Structural Complex is a pond measuring 30×30 meters in size. Fitting the gridiron city layout, on the face of the pond had 26 surviving brick courses. The pond resembles the water reservoirs of Kathmandu’s medieval towns and alludes to the possibility that such architectures were developed in the Terai region of Nepal before moving to the valley.
Samai Mai Temple
Near the center of the site lies a temple dedicated to the deity Samai Mai. The temple is located on top of a mound, which had a 4-meter occupation sequence with early timber architecture followed by carved brick structures.
The Eastern Gate
The eastern gate was excavated by the DoA. It was through the eastern gate that Prince Siddhartha, aged 29, departed Kapilvastu, on his quest for enlightenment.
The Fortification Wall
The fortification wall defines the grid iron plan of cordially oriented structures within the city. Recent excavations across the northern stretch of the fortifications have identified three major construction phases. The earliest two represented by timber palisades-fence-lines of large wooden posts-which were later replaced by a smoothed clay rampart was subsequently embellished with a brick fortification wall, much of which has been conserved by the LDT.
The Northern Twin Stupas
The Twin Stupas, to the north of the palace, were excavated by the DoA in 1968-69. Traditionally, they are thought to be built to commemorate the Lord Sakyamuni Buddha’s parents, King Suddhodana and Queen Mayadevi.
The Eastern Stupa and Monastery
The Eastern Stupa is not an isolated monument but part of a large monastic complex as discovered by a geophysical survey. An excavation carried out here in Gotihawa identified a well, just below the ground surface, including the edges of formalized ponds that would have provided water for the monks who dwelled in this ancient monastery. A collection of 497 silver punch-marked coins was excavated from the monastery. This might represent a foundation deposit, demonstrating the sanctity of this location to the ancient communities of Tilaurakot.
The Southern Industrial Mound
To the south of the city, there is a mound scattered with waste from iron-working. Findings from archaeological excavations indicate that this was a major industrial zone. Almost 8 tons of iron slag recovered from a trench measuring 4×3 meters are sufficient evidence of large-scale smelting at Tilaurakot in the past.
