Ashokan pillar with inscription in Lumbini, clearly indicated that the pillar had been erected at the birth place of Lord Buddha.
The account of Huan Tsang dealt with Ashokan pillar in Lumbini. It said "On the east of the Ashoka tree was an Ashoka top, where two dragons washed the newly born prince with hot and cold water."
It was discovered by the then Governor of Palpa, Khadga Shamsher Rana and famous German archaeologist A. Fuhrer. The inscription engraved by Ashoka in 249 BC is still intact and testifies to authenticity of the birth place. The text written in Brahmi script and Pali language is translated as follows:
King Piyadasi (Ashoka), the beloved of Devas, in the twentieth year of coronation, himself made a visit to Lumbini and paid his homage. Realizing that the Buddha Sakyamuni was born here, stone railing was build and a stone pillar erected. Because the Lord was born here, the Emperor had the people of Lumbini village free from sone tax and entitled them to the eighth part only.
King Ripu Malla, in the 14th century, made a pilgrimage to Lumbini and engraved the famous Buddhist Mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" with his name Sri Ripu Malla Ciranjayatu on the pillar.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Niglihawa
It is located about 8 km. north east of Taulihawa, about 3 km. north east of Tilaurakot and 22 km. north west of Lumbini. There is a large tank which is about 287x135 m. in size is called Nigali sagar.
On the western bank of the tank, two fragments of broken Ashokan pillar lyinng in shade hut, upper portion of whihc is about 4.5 m. long. There is two inscriptions, one is inscription of Ripu Malla, the king of Karnali region, written as " om mani padame hum. Sri Ripu Malla Chiranjayatu 1234." and the lower one is Emperor Ashokan inscription written as "devanam piyen piyadasina lajina-chodasavasa (Bhisi) tena budhasa konaka manasa thube-dutiyaam Vadhite (visavita) Sabhisitena-cha atana agacha- Mahiyate (Sila Thebe-cha usa) papite."
Chinese traveler, Fa-hsien visited this site in 5th century said that there are towers where Kanakmuni Buddha was born. In 7th century another chinese traveler Hiuen Tsiang visited this site and writes that after going about 30 li north east of the town of Krakuchhanda Buddha, they came to an old capital with a stupa, this was the right place where Kanakmuni Buddha was born. To the north west of the city near the stupa is the place where he arrieve after complete enlightment, he met his father here. He further describes about the stupa containing the relics of the bequeathed body and a 20 feet high stone pillar with a lion on the top inscribed a record of the events connected to his Nirvana. (Bidari, 90:2007)
On the western bank of the tank, two fragments of broken Ashokan pillar lyinng in shade hut, upper portion of whihc is about 4.5 m. long. There is two inscriptions, one is inscription of Ripu Malla, the king of Karnali region, written as " om mani padame hum. Sri Ripu Malla Chiranjayatu 1234." and the lower one is Emperor Ashokan inscription written as "devanam piyen piyadasina lajina-chodasavasa (Bhisi) tena budhasa konaka manasa thube-dutiyaam Vadhite (visavita) Sabhisitena-cha atana agacha- Mahiyate (Sila Thebe-cha usa) papite."
Chinese traveler, Fa-hsien visited this site in 5th century said that there are towers where Kanakmuni Buddha was born. In 7th century another chinese traveler Hiuen Tsiang visited this site and writes that after going about 30 li north east of the town of Krakuchhanda Buddha, they came to an old capital with a stupa, this was the right place where Kanakmuni Buddha was born. To the north west of the city near the stupa is the place where he arrieve after complete enlightment, he met his father here. He further describes about the stupa containing the relics of the bequeathed body and a 20 feet high stone pillar with a lion on the top inscribed a record of the events connected to his Nirvana. (Bidari, 90:2007)
Gotihawa
It is situated about 9 km south west of Tilaurakot and 31 km north west of Lumbini. According to the Buddha vamsa, it is the natal town of Krakuchhanda Buddha, and also the place of mahaparinirvana.
Chinese traveler Fa-hsien, who reached there in 5th century, writes in his book "leaving the city saravasti, and going twelve yojanas to the south-east, we arrived at a town called Na-pi-ka. This is the birthplace of the Krakuchhanda Buddha. There are towers erected on the spots where the interview between the father and son took place and also he entered nirvana." (Beal, 84:1996).
Another Chinese traveler, who visited this place in 7th century wrotes, "to the south of the city (Kapilvastu) going 50 li or so, we came to an old town where there is a stupa. This is the place where Krakuchhandsa Buddha was born, to the south of the city there was a stupa that was the place he met his father. To the south-east of the city is a stupa, where are the Tathagata's relics stupa before it was erected as a stone pillar about 30 feet high, on the top of which is carved a lion. By its side it is a record relating the circumstances of his Nirvana which is erected by Ashoka Raja." (Beal, 18-19:1983)
According to the Hiuen Tshang's description Gotihawa is the birth place of the Krakuchhanda Buddha.
Only the lower portion of the Ashokan pillar and upper part with inscription is missing there (worshiped as Phuteswor Mahadev by local). Beside it, there is a big mound, it is believed to be the Nirvana stupa of Krakuchhanda Buddha.
Chinese traveler Fa-hsien, who reached there in 5th century, writes in his book "leaving the city saravasti, and going twelve yojanas to the south-east, we arrived at a town called Na-pi-ka. This is the birthplace of the Krakuchhanda Buddha. There are towers erected on the spots where the interview between the father and son took place and also he entered nirvana." (Beal, 84:1996).
Another Chinese traveler, who visited this place in 7th century wrotes, "to the south of the city (Kapilvastu) going 50 li or so, we came to an old town where there is a stupa. This is the place where Krakuchhandsa Buddha was born, to the south of the city there was a stupa that was the place he met his father. To the south-east of the city is a stupa, where are the Tathagata's relics stupa before it was erected as a stone pillar about 30 feet high, on the top of which is carved a lion. By its side it is a record relating the circumstances of his Nirvana which is erected by Ashoka Raja." (Beal, 18-19:1983)
According to the Hiuen Tshang's description Gotihawa is the birth place of the Krakuchhanda Buddha.
Only the lower portion of the Ashokan pillar and upper part with inscription is missing there (worshiped as Phuteswor Mahadev by local). Beside it, there is a big mound, it is believed to be the Nirvana stupa of Krakuchhanda Buddha.
Kudan
Kudan, also called Lori ki Kudan is situated 2 km south of Taulihawa bazar. According to the Buddhist literature, after enlightment lord Buddha was invited by king Suddhodan to visit Kapilbastu. After couple of months he came to Kapilbastu with his 300 disciples. Whe he refused to stay at palace, king Suddhodan built monastery for them in Nigrodham, which is known as Kudan.
This is the place where, Suddhodam met Buddha for the first time after his enlightment and addressed "bhante" and bowed to the Buddha. Prajapati presented kashaya vastra (gold embroidered garment), Buddha gave inheritance to Rahul, whatever he had in that time and Rahul became on voice in the Buddha's Sangha. Buddha preached on the virtues of politics to nobles of Kapilbastu. 500 Shakyas were converted to monk and Buddha permitted to enter 500 female Shakya to enter in his order at this place. All this events proved that this site have been very much connected with Buddha's life and important too.
The Chinese traveler Fa-hsien, who visited this place in 5th century and Hiuen Tsiang, Who visited in 7th century mentioned that they saw the Nyagrodham Monastery and stupa.
This is the place where, Suddhodam met Buddha for the first time after his enlightment and addressed "bhante" and bowed to the Buddha. Prajapati presented kashaya vastra (gold embroidered garment), Buddha gave inheritance to Rahul, whatever he had in that time and Rahul became on voice in the Buddha's Sangha. Buddha preached on the virtues of politics to nobles of Kapilbastu. 500 Shakyas were converted to monk and Buddha permitted to enter 500 female Shakya to enter in his order at this place. All this events proved that this site have been very much connected with Buddha's life and important too.
The Chinese traveler Fa-hsien, who visited this place in 5th century and Hiuen Tsiang, Who visited in 7th century mentioned that they saw the Nyagrodham Monastery and stupa.
Ramgram
The king of Koliya received a share of one eighth part of Budda's relic after the cremation of lord Buddha then the king made a relic stupa on the bank of Jhrahi river which is called Ramgram stupa. It is located 3 km south of headquarter of Nawal Parasi district, which is about 48 km south-east of Lumbini.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsiang visited Ramgram in 7th century describes Ramgram as sparsely populated old city, where he saw a relic stupa made of brick which was believed to be enshrined with Buddha's relic stupa and he also write that the wild elephants and snakes give security to the stupa, where he saw flash out the light from the center of stupa which is the sign of good luck.
According to the Buddhist literature, The emperor Ashoka, who already took out other seven relic from stupa and from that relic he has made 84000 stupas so as he thought of taking out 8th original relic from stupa of Ramgram and starting to digging them. All of a sudden a man from the river appeared and asked to stop the work, he also warn Ashoka not to take out the relic from stupa. He said his story that when he was a king, he had also tried to take out relic and he got the punishment for doing that. Then he came out and showed his lower part, which was similar to that of snake and he disappeared from there. After that Ashoka drop down the idea to take out relic from stupa. So, this is the only one original relic stupa of lord Buddha and the most important to Buddhism, archaeologist, Nepal and to the whole world.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsiang visited Ramgram in 7th century describes Ramgram as sparsely populated old city, where he saw a relic stupa made of brick which was believed to be enshrined with Buddha's relic stupa and he also write that the wild elephants and snakes give security to the stupa, where he saw flash out the light from the center of stupa which is the sign of good luck.
According to the Buddhist literature, The emperor Ashoka, who already took out other seven relic from stupa and from that relic he has made 84000 stupas so as he thought of taking out 8th original relic from stupa of Ramgram and starting to digging them. All of a sudden a man from the river appeared and asked to stop the work, he also warn Ashoka not to take out the relic from stupa. He said his story that when he was a king, he had also tried to take out relic and he got the punishment for doing that. Then he came out and showed his lower part, which was similar to that of snake and he disappeared from there. After that Ashoka drop down the idea to take out relic from stupa. So, this is the only one original relic stupa of lord Buddha and the most important to Buddhism, archaeologist, Nepal and to the whole world.
Devdaha
The site of Bhabanipur is called Devdaha, which lies about 15 km. north east of Parasi bajar. The capital city of Koliyas is known as maternal town of Mayadevi, Prajapati and also Yoshodhara.
According the Buddhist literature Devdaha was situated towards the east of Kapilbastu and on the bank of the river Rohini. This is the important historical site of Rupandehi district, where is several archaeological sites around there and need to open the deaden part.
Kanyamai temple, Vairimai temple, stone images, Lokeswor in the standing posture which was similar to the Pala period of India.
In Bhabanipur temple and around there a lots of gods/goddess images with Surya image, a very remarkable ieice of sen pala period and fragmented stone pillar which people named it Ashokan pillar but the Lumbini Development trust opinion is that the Shiva lings, side of this on known date ancient well and on the right of the temple local people dug a small trench, there seems brick wall along with a piece of stone tap with image of makara.
From the exploration, it is the secreted place to archaeologist and need to excavation to find out the hidden history.
According the Buddhist literature Devdaha was situated towards the east of Kapilbastu and on the bank of the river Rohini. This is the important historical site of Rupandehi district, where is several archaeological sites around there and need to open the deaden part.
Kanyamai temple, Vairimai temple, stone images, Lokeswor in the standing posture which was similar to the Pala period of India.
In Bhabanipur temple and around there a lots of gods/goddess images with Surya image, a very remarkable ieice of sen pala period and fragmented stone pillar which people named it Ashokan pillar but the Lumbini Development trust opinion is that the Shiva lings, side of this on known date ancient well and on the right of the temple local people dug a small trench, there seems brick wall along with a piece of stone tap with image of makara.
From the exploration, it is the secreted place to archaeologist and need to excavation to find out the hidden history.
Kapilbastu (Tilaurakot)
The prince Sidhartha spent his 29 years in the palace which is situated in Tilaurakot, according to the Buddhist literature, Ancient Kapilbastu, Tilaurakot, area was, in the south-west Achiravati, in the east Rohini river, in the south-west Kosal and in the north Himalaya Pradesh.
"The present Rapti river is the must be the Achiravati river mentioned in the Buddhist text and the Himalaya Pardesh as mentioned in the Buddhist text must be the Chure mountain range." (Basanta Bidari, 2007)
Kapilbastu was the town where Buddha spent his 29 years before mahaviniskraman (great renouncement) to be enlightment or to get power to be free from pain.
Tilaurakot is identified as the actual capital of Kapilbastu and where prince Siddhartha spent his 29 years here before enlightment. The Chinese traveler Fa-hsien who visited Kapilbastu in 5th century AD mentioned in his travel accounts Kapilbastu as " Ka-wei-lo-wei", "there is no government or people; it is just like a great desert. There is simply a congregation of priests and about ten families of lay people." and another Chinese traveler Hihen Tsiang who visited 7th century AD has mentioned Kapilbastu (Kie-pi-lo-fa-sseti), He describe that the country was about 4000 li in circuit. There are some ten deserted cities in this country, wholly desolate and ruined. The royal precincts within the city measure some 14-15 li around. They were all built of brick. The foundation walls are still strong and high. It has been long deserted. The people viallages are few and wasted. There are no supreme ruler. (Bidari, 206:2007). It shows that the Kapilbastu was totally deserted during 5th to 7th century AD.
"The present Rapti river is the must be the Achiravati river mentioned in the Buddhist text and the Himalaya Pardesh as mentioned in the Buddhist text must be the Chure mountain range." (Basanta Bidari, 2007)
Kapilbastu was the town where Buddha spent his 29 years before mahaviniskraman (great renouncement) to be enlightment or to get power to be free from pain.
Tilaurakot is identified as the actual capital of Kapilbastu and where prince Siddhartha spent his 29 years here before enlightment. The Chinese traveler Fa-hsien who visited Kapilbastu in 5th century AD mentioned in his travel accounts Kapilbastu as " Ka-wei-lo-wei", "there is no government or people; it is just like a great desert. There is simply a congregation of priests and about ten families of lay people." and another Chinese traveler Hihen Tsiang who visited 7th century AD has mentioned Kapilbastu (Kie-pi-lo-fa-sseti), He describe that the country was about 4000 li in circuit. There are some ten deserted cities in this country, wholly desolate and ruined. The royal precincts within the city measure some 14-15 li around. They were all built of brick. The foundation walls are still strong and high. It has been long deserted. The people viallages are few and wasted. There are no supreme ruler. (Bidari, 206:2007). It shows that the Kapilbastu was totally deserted during 5th to 7th century AD.
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