“….
Hida Bhagavm Jateti Lumini Game“( The Lord Buddha was born here in Lumbini Village). The full text of the inscription in English reads: “Twenty years after the coronation, Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi (Ashok) visited this place and worshiped because here, Lord Buddha, sage of Sakyamuni was born”.
[1]
By B. K. Rana
General Background:
Lumbini, the present southwestern Nepalese Tarai, is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimages on the earth. Lumbini presents herself as a land of eternal peace and serenity. In fact it is a fountain of love, compassion, nonviolence and world peace also. The importance of this holiest pilgrimage is profound because Buddha was born here some 2600 years ago.
The young pregnant princess Maya Devi was on her way from Kapilvastu to Devadaha
[1], her father’s home, as the time had come to deliver
[2] baby Siddhartha Gautama – the future Buddha. The ‘Pradimoksha Van’ – Lumbini Garden – as so enchanting it was, she virtually could not resist ! She thought to stroll around the garden and take a bath also in ‘Pushkarini’ pond down there since the destination was not that far away. After the bath, she felt some pain in her stomach. Lo, she went into labour before reaching Devadaha! And a baby boy was born to become – the Enlightened One – the Buddha, the prince of peace, love and compassion. It was on the full moon day, Friday, Vaisakha of 623 B.C
[3] .
As soon as the baby boy had entered the world, ‘he walked seven steps northwards on lotus petals; raised right hand forefinger and spoke, “Aggohamamsi Lokassa”
[4] . At least two celestial figures began pouring water in his worship. In joy lotuses were thrown down from the heaven also’. This is what the Buddhist texts read and the Buddhists also believe in.