Important Sites Around Lumbini and Kapilvastu

Tilaurokot, the Ancient Kapilovastu
Located at a distance of about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic town of Kapilavastu. Believed to be the capital of Sakya republic where the Lord Buddha lived and enjoyed his life until his 29th year ancient Kapilavastu has been identified with Tilaurakot by the archaeologists. I here are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and the wall of the city is made of bricks. In fact, the sight of the city of Kapilavastu visualizes a seat of high culture.

Arorakot
At about nine kilometers north-east of Taulihawa there is a large rectangular fortified area which is popularly known as Arorakot The fortified area is identified by the famous Indian archaeologist P C Mukherji as the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha. Remains of the ancient moat and brick fortification around the Kot can still be clearly seen. A brick line is seen to the south and an elevated mound towards the north-west corner.

Niglihawa
At about eight kilometers north-east of Taulihawa there is another site of archaeological importance. The site has a quadrangular pond locally known as Niglisagar and surrounded by bushes. On the western bank of the pond there are two broken pieces of the Ashokan pillar the longer one lying flat and the shorter one stuck into the ground. The pillar bears two peacocks on the top part and a Devanagari Script inscription reading Om Mani Padme Hum Ripu Mallasya Chiran Jayatu 1234.

The shorter portion of the pillar which is partly buried in the ground measures 1.52 ms in length and bears four lines of Ashokan inscription in the Brahmi script which roughly translates as: King Piyadasi beloved of the gods after 14 years of his coronation enlarged for the second time the stupa of Buddha Kanaka Muni and after 20 years of his coronation he came himself and worshipped (and) he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected.

Sagarhawa
At about 12 kilometers north of Taulihawa there is a forest area called Sagarhawa. In the midst of the forest there is a huge rectangular pond popularly known as Lumbusagar or a long lake. The ruins of the ancient pond which was excavated and identified by Dr. A. Fuhrer as the site of "massacre of the Sakyas" can still be located on the south-west bank of the sagar.

Gotihawa
At about five kilometers south-west of Taulihawa there is a village called Gotihawa. In the village there is an Ashokan Pillar standing on a slab. The upper portion of the pillar is lost and only the lower portion about 3.5 ms high is still intact. Adjoining the pillar towards its north-east side, there is a huge stupa with successive rings of wedge-shaped Mauryan bricks.

Kudan
Kudan is located about two kilometers south of Taulihawa close to the Shorargarh -Taulihawa Road. There is a huge mound of structural ruins with a cluster of four buildings and a pond. The mounds excavated U1 1962 indicated that there stood a huge Gupta style temple in ancient times. This complex requires proper archaeological conservation.

Ramagrama
Ramagrama is the maternal home of queen Maya Devi and the country of the Koliyas. A huge ten-meter high brick stupa one of the eight dharu stupas containing the relics of the Buddha stands on the bank of the Jharahi river. Still unopened, it is the landmark of the historic Ramagrama. Legends say it is protected by a Naga. Recent explorations by a British team headed by Dr. Robin Coningham has indicated that there are few more important structural remains around it.

This is only a cursory glance at the main historic sites of the Lumbini area. The area has many more archaeological/historical sites partly explored and many other completely unexplored. Therefore as conservation and construction activities continue in the main complexes at Lumbini and Kapilavastu other sites also need proper treatment in order to fully exploit the vast richness of the region and enhance the glory of Lumhini: The Fountain of World Peace.

Devdaha
Devdaha is located 35 km northeast of Lumbini the sacred birthplace of the Buddha. The East-west highway passing through the evergreen forest area offers an easy access to Devdaha which lies 145 km Southwest of Kathmandu. It is the maternal as well as the inlaw's home of prince Siddhartha who was married to Princess Yasodhara daughter of King Supra Buddha of Devdaha.

Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini while Queen Maya Devi was on her way to Devdaha. Prince Sidhartha was brought up by his second mother Queen Prajapati Gautami and he might have spent his childhood at his maternal home in Devdaha.

Kumarbarti
This site is located by the side of river Rohini in the Makrahara Village Development Committee. Queen Maya Devi and her sister Queen Prajapati had spent one night on their way to Devdaha and as such this place is known by the name of Maya Devi and Prajapati. A temple and two bells have been found here with the images of Mayarani and Prajarani.