Lumbini: The Birthplace of Buddha

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskār]
• Goodbyeफेरि भेटौं
  [pheri bhetauṁ]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [kṛipayā]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavād]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [māpha garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapāīlāī kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तिमीलाई?
  [rāmro cha. timīlāī?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्छौ?
  [timī aṅgrejī bolchau?]
• I don't understandम बुझिन
  [ma bujhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseमैले मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु, कृपया
  [maile menu hērn cāhanchu, kṛipayā]
• I don't eat meatम भांसामा खान्न छैन
  [ma bhānsāmā khānn chain]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chiyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseम तिर्न चाहन्छु, कृपया
  [ma tirn cāhanchu, kṛipayā]

• Help!मदत!
  [madat!]
• Go away!दूर हिँड्नुहोस्!
  [dūr hiṁḍnuhos!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [praharīlā'ī bōlā'unuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [ḍākṭaralā'ī bōlā'unuhos!]
• I'm lostम गुमाएको छु
  [ma gumāēkō chu]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [ma birāmī chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharīd garn cāhanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्दैछु
  [ma sirjanā gardaichu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahangō cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य हाल्न सक्छन्?
  [kē tapāīm̐ mūlya hāln sakchan?]

• What time is it?कति बजेछ?
  [kati bajēcha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [ēka bajē cha]
• Half past (10)दस बजे को आधा
  [das bajē kō ādhā]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihān]
• Afternoonदिउसो
  [di'usō]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sām̐jha]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hi'jō]
• Todayआज
  [āja]
• Tomorrowभोली
  [bhōlī]
• 1एक
  [ēka]
• 2दुई
  [du'ī]
• 3तीन
  [tīn]
• 4चार
  [cāra]
• 5पाँच
  [pā̃ca]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [sāta]
• 8आठ
  [āṭha]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ कुनै... कहाँ छ?
  [yahām̐ kunai... kahām̐ cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [ṭhēgānā kē hō?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्छनुहुन्छ (नक्सा मा)?
  [kē tapāīm̐ malā'ī dēkhā'un sakchanuhun̐cha (naksā mā)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहाँ जान्छ?
  [arkō (bas) kahām̐ jān̐cha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... मा)
  [ēka ṭikaṭa (... mā)]

Lumbini is universally recognized as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha in 563 BCE in the Lumbini Garden. The site is marked by the Maya Devi Temple, which houses ancient ruins and a sacred pond where Maya Devi is said to have bathed before giving birth.

In 249 BCE, the Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a pillar to commemorate the birthplace of Buddha. The Ashoka Pillar stands as a testament to the emperor's conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread the teachings of Buddha. The pillar, inscribed with Brahmi script, provides crucial historical evidence of Lumbini's significance in ancient times.

Lumbini fell into obscurity for many centuries until it was rediscovered in 1896 by a team led by German archaeologist Dr. Alois Anton Führer and Khadga Samsher Rana. They identified the Ashoka Pillar, which confirmed the location as the birthplace of Buddha. This rediscovery sparked renewed interest and efforts to preserve and study the area.

In 1978, the United Nations launched the Lumbini Development Project to transform the historical site into a center of pilgrimage and tourism. The project, designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, includes monasteries, gardens, and meditation centers built by various Buddhist traditions from around the world. This has helped Lumbini to become a vibrant hub of Buddhist culture and spiritual practice.

In 1997, Lumbini was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition has helped to preserve the archaeological and cultural heritage of Lumbini, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and tourists from around the globe. The UNESCO status has also facilitated international cooperation in the ongoing conservation and development of the area.

Today, Lumbini is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists around the world. The Sacred Garden, which is home to the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and various ancient stupas and monasteries, continues to attract visitors seeking spiritual enrichment and historical insight. The surrounding area is a blend of tranquility and reverence, offering a unique cultural experience.

Lumbini is located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, near the Indian border. The nearest international airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, approximately 280 kilometers away. From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa, which is about 22 kilometers from Lumbini. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or hire a private car from Kathmandu or other major cities like Pokhara. The journey by road typically takes around 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Within Lumbini, the best way to get around is by renting a bicycle or an electric rickshaw. Many of the main attractions, including the Sacred Garden and various monasteries, are located within a relatively compact area. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available for longer distances. For an eco-friendly option, consider walking or renting a bicycle to explore the Lumbini Development Zone.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While some hotels and larger establishments in Lumbini accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when dealing with smaller vendors and local markets. ATMs are available in Bhairahawa and Lumbini, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Kathmandu to ensure you have enough funds for your trip.

Lumbini is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Lumbini does not have significant high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. The Lumbini Zonal Hospital in Bhairahawa is the nearest major medical facility. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in Lumbini where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' by joining your palms together. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Lumbini like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nepalese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Maya Devi Temple, the supposed birthplace of Buddha, and explore the various international monasteries built by different countries. For a unique experience, take a peaceful walk around the Sacred Garden early in the morning.