Major Buddhist Sites in the Greater Lumbini Area
Kapilvastu District
1. Tilaurakot
The ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom during back to 7/8 BC. Also the kingdom of Lord Buddha's father King Suddhodhana, with archaeological remains within the fortified area. Prince Siddhartha lived here for 29 years; Tentative Site on World Heritage list.
2. Niglihawa
Birthplace of Kanakmuni Buddha who was one of the four Buddhas of the Bhadrakalpa era (which is a long and immeasurable period of time and it is believed that the present period is also part of the Bhadrakalpa era). The site has a broken Ashoka Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC.
3. Arourakot
Archaeological ruins within a rectangular fortified area, believed to be the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha.
4. Sagarhawa
A forest with a lake known as Lambusagar; thousands of Shakyas were massacred at this site by King Virudhaka; ruins of hundreds of Stupas were built to remember those who were massacred.
5. Gotihawa
Remains of an Ashoka Pillar to mark Krakuchhanda's birthplace; Krakuchhanda was one of the four Buddhas of the Bhadrakalpa period. Archeological finding also reveals an ancient Circular Stupa.
6. Kudan
The place where Lord Buddha met his father, stepmother Prajapati Gautami and his son Rahul for the first time after his renunciation; his son Rahul was ordained by Lord Buddha's most revered disciple.
7. Sisahaniya
Important archaeological site of the Maurya- Kushan era; believed to have an ancient Buddhist Monastery and a fort.
Rupandehi District
8. Lumbini
Birthplace of Lord Buddha; World Heritage Site.
9. Devdaha
The ancient capital of the Koliya Kingdom, which was the maturnal home of Lord Buddha's mother Maya Devi and his in-laws.
Nawalparasi District
10. Ramagrama
One of the holiest shrine with a stupa believed to contain one of eight relics of the Lord Buddha; Site on Tentative World Heritage List.
