Cultural places of Rupandehi
AN INTRODUCTION TO
LUMBINI AND IT'S SURROUNDING
Lumbini, a zone of amazing extremes contains a long historical tradition, an amalgamation of a number of medieval principalities, people having different religions, with diverse culture, languages and dialects and many places of having religious, historical, archeological, cultural and natural values. This zone takes its name from Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace & non-violence.
Lumbini zone is between 830 10' and 840 25' east longitude and 270 20' and 280 27' north latitude, east by Narayani zone, north by Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones and west by Rapti zone. Lumbini and its diverse cultural aspect and natural, historical, archaeological significance have been known to all so far in the world.
Historical Background:
Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha and a famous place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists all over the world is situated in the south western terai of Nepal 302 Km. from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The main sites associated with Buddha's life (Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kusinagar) have become popular centers of Buddhists as are Jerusalem for Christians and Mecca for Muslims.
The ancient Kapilvastu state was spread on the bank of Rohini river to the east and there was Koliya state to the east of the river. The people of these two states were used to getting in and away through the grove of Fupadevi, a famous beautiful spot with a pond surrounded by Sal trees. It took its name from Rupadevi, the queen of Anjana, the king of Dewadaha. Historical facts show that in course of time the famous grove Rupadevi came to be known as "Fummini Dei" "Lumbini and then "Rupandehi" now.
Siddhartha Gautam was the son of King Suddhodhan (of the Shakya clan) who ruled Kapilvastu and Kayadevi (of the Koliyaclan). The daughter of the ruler of the niighbouring state of Dewadaha.
It is believed that Kayadevi was 10 months pregnant when she decided to visit her parents' home in Dewadaha. On the way from Kapilvastu, her entourage had to pass through the grove of Fupandehi (now Lumbibi) She reached Lumbini on a full moon day, Kay 563 BC and stopped to enjoy the scence and to bathe in the pond. Just after the bath Diddhartha Gautam was born.
Siddhartha Gautam walded seven steps immediately after his birth ,Mayadevi and Siddhartha Gautam were brought to Kapilvastu in a royal manner . At that time two manks 'Asita' and 'kaudinnya' predicted that the child would be a great monk. So Siddhartha Gautam was luxuriously bought up. At the age of 29 while wandering in the town outside the place, he came across an old man, a sick man , a corpse and hermit. These confrontations with suffering and death impelled Siddhartha to femounce his luxurious life and leave kingdom of Kapilvastu.
Enlightenment Time:
At the age of 35 Siddhratha Gautam attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya, India. Then after Lunbini has become the major centre of Buddhist religion and culture, Many emperors and great rulers started to visit the birth place of Lord Buddha.
Ashok's Visit To Lumnini:
The great indian emperor Askok following the violence caused by the battle of Kalinga realised that true victory is gained by winning human heart & soul. He than, became the true follower of Buddha. In course of his pilgrimage with his preacher Upa-Gupta, Ashoka visited Lumbini in 249 BC. He established a stone pillar there and inscribed in Brahmin script that he lessened the tax of the people around the holy birth place Lord Buddha.
Later two Chinese pilgrims Faeihan and Huian Tsang visited this region in the 5th and 7th century, respectively. Repu Ialla the Kshetri king of Karnali visited Lumbini in the 14th century. He inscribed his name and Buddha Manrta in the Pillar of Lumbini.
The existence and importance of Lumbini had been limited only to the Chinese pilgrims' description and Buddhist literature by the last decade of the 19th century. The whole region returned to wilderness and the sites were no more than parts of jungle. When a land-lord named Jasakaran of Baiat, near Nepalgunj rumored of finding out Ashoka pillar, archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer came to this region. With the help of the governor of Palpa Khadga Shamsher Rana, who had a keen interest in archaeology, he in 1886 began the excavation to a pillar-which turned out to he Ashoka's Lumbini pillar. As a result of various excavations and researches made since then the temple of Mayadevi, the nativity statue of Buddha, Siddhartha pond, a conglomerate stone, a terracotta image of Siddhartha Gautam sitting near by his wife Yasodhara etc. and many other ruins and antiquities have been discovered in Lumbini.
Lumbini at present:
After the visit of U. N. general secretary late U-Thant in 1967 A.D., the importance of Lumbini has been enhanced far and wide. Now there are grandiose plans for the development of Lumbini with the aim of developing it as a place of pilgrimage, and a tourist center. It is being developed according to the master plan formulated by Japanese architect 'Kenzo Tange' in 1978 A.D.
The total area of Lumbini as proposed in the master plan is 3 Sq. miles and the scared garden area is approximately 723,456 m2. The Plantation area is 40% of the total area. Now the interesting things for tourists are garden, different temples, the eternal fire flame, the Ashoka pillar, Stupas, Vihars and brick foundations. Many Buddhist temples, Stupas, Vihars are being made by as different as 41 countries. Today, the pond where Mayadevi is believed to have bathed before giving birth to Siddhartha Gautam can still be seen. The Mayadevi temple is built on ancient foundation, and these are now the site of an archaeological excavation. Many facilities are being developed for the visitors. The purposed international airport should be built near Lumbini for its all round development.
The Gate-way to Lumbini
Durga Temple:
It is situated in Ward No. 8 to the north of Himalisangam (Buddha chowk). It covers about 22 Katthas land. Goddess Durga, the worshipped in this temple especially during the Dashain festival. LUYRDS/N has started "greenery and colourful model ward" programme in this area.
Shiva Mandir:
Situated at the intersection point of Siddharthanagar-8 Basdilawa and Hatibangain VDC of Rupandehi district, Shiva temple is about 1 Km, to the west of Himalisangam. A grand fair is observed at Shivaratri festival. There are beautiful lotus flowers in the pond.
Narayansthan:
It is situated to the south of Himalisangam on the way to market area. It is the famous holy place for religious worshipping and hymns. It has about 5 Bighas of "Guthi" land. Grand fairs are observed during almost all feasts and festivals here.
Dandakhola & Phaklihawa :
Dandakhola, which divides Siddharthanagar municipality into two parts flows in a zigzag way. Because of a dam near Paklihawa, about 3 Kms. south from Siddharthanagar town, the Danda River surround Paklihawa area. Institute of Agriculture and Animal science campus is also situated there. Danda surrounded Paklihawa is like a garden in the sea. A boat is to be taken to visit from one small island garden to another. It is very suitable for picnic as well as for boating purpose. Fishing with the help of fish-hooks can also be enjoyed here.
KAPILVASTU
A brief history:
Tilaurakot:
Tilaurakot, the kingdom of ancient Shakya kings, lies 3 Km. to the north of Taulihawa, the present day headquarters of Kapilvastu district, some 27 Km. west of Lumbini. Ruins of historic town of Kapilvastu are located here, where it is believed that Lord Buddha enjoyed his princely life until his 29th year .Once a king of Kaushal state of the Okak clan, while roaming in the north met Kapilmuni "Rishi" in the dense jungle and according to his suggestion, they settled down there. In course of time, the region was named "KAPILBASTU" and it became "KAPILVASTU" the clan, "Shakya". Similarly, this clan was supposed to have come from "Salket" and on the basis of king Okak's saying that they were "Shakya" this clan has come to be known as "Shakya".
Ashoka's Visit to Tilaurakot
Buddhist ruins, literature and the travelogues of Chinese pilgrims prove that different civilizations developed here from the 11th century B.C. to the 4th century B.C. Tilaurakot is located in the middle of a dense forest on the bank of the Banaganga river from where the Himalayan range is visible. The great Indian emperor Ashoka visited Kapilvastu some time between 251 & 245 B.C. Similarly, Chinese pilgrims Faeihan and Huian Tsang visited Kapilvastu in 406 A.D. and 636 A.D., respectively. Faeihan has described the two Stupas the Vihar, King Suddhodhan's original palace, the Buddhist monks, Hastigarta, Sarkup place where Asita met his father. Similarly, Huian Tsang has described that the King's palaces was spread over 14-15 league (1 league = 3 miles = 4.8279 kms.) area.
The temple of Hinayani monks and two Hindu temples, Suddhodhan Vihar, Asita Stupa, sleeping room of Mayadevi etc. are also mentioned in his description. Besides many excavation and researches made by Nepalese and forging archaeologists have proved that there was the king's palace in Kapilvastu.
Different scholars have said with historical evidence that the King's palace was 1700 ft north-south and 1300 ft. area east-west. There ruins and mounds of old Stupak. Monasteries made of Kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar, the remains are surrounded by a moat the walls of the city are made of bricks. In fact the ruins of the city of Kapilvastu indicate such a grand quality that they must belong to a highly developed culture.
About 400 m. from the ruins, a small museum (closed on Tuesday and Saturday) display some of the artifacts that were found at the site including coins and pottery. Kings Suddhodhan's palace, defensive wall, pond, Stupa, Yasodhara Rahual vihar, school of lord Buddha, the then Dev temple, Mahavinishkramana Vihar, a watching tower, an iron workshop, punch marked copper coins, Shakyanasya marked clay-stamp, stone statues of stone age etc. have been excavated.
Important Places Around Kapilvastu
Niglihawa:
About 8 Km. North-west of Taulihawa, Niglihawa is important from cultural and archaeological point of view. The site has a quadrangular tank surrounded by bushes, locally known as Nigli Sagar. On the western bank of the tank there are tow broken pieces of Ashokan Pillar. It is mentioned in the book Maha Bhadra Kalpa "Kanakmuni Buddha" was born in a Brahmin clan in Shovabati Nagar. A rain in gold occurred immediately after his birth. Therefore, he is named "Kanakmuni" (Rishi of Gold).
The historical and archaeological significance to light by Dr. Fuhrer in March 1895 A.D.
Gotihawa:
About 5 kms. South-west of Taulihawa, Gotihawa village is the ancient Kshemawati Nagar where Krakuchhanda Buddha was born. Ancient mound, stone pillar, ring-well, burnt bricks and other ruins have been excavated here. The existence of this site was brought of light by Major waddel and P.C. Mukherji in 1898 A.D.
Sagarhawa:
Sagarhawa forest area is situated about 11 Kms. north of Taulihawa market. In the middle of the forest there is a huge long tank popularly known as Lambu Sagar. The ancient tanks, ruins, which were excavated and identified by Dr. Fuhrer as the "place of massacre of Shakyas" in 1895, can still be located on the south west bank of the Sagar.
As Tilaurakot is popular known as an open ancient museum, there are many places of archaeological, historical, cultural & religious values. Some other important sites are Kudan, Aroarakot, Chatradei, Bikuli Lamtiya Babhani, Karjahawa, Sishdhia, Samoe-mai, Tauleshwar Mahadava etc.
The Rising Sun in Lumbini
After I am on more, Ananda! Men of Belief will visit with faithful curiosity and devotion to four place-where I was born……………, Attained enlightenment……………, gave the first sermon…………., and passed into Nirvana.
Thus spake Gautama, the Buddha.
The Stream of devotees and travellers to Load Bubbha's birthplace, Lumbini, included Emperor Ashok, The Great, in the 3rd century B.C. and the famous Chinese traveller, Huen Tasng in the 7th century A.D.
Lumbuni was, then and now the ultimate soothing place for the faithful in their quest for peace and solsce. The crave for enlightenment was omnipresent in Lumbini's atmosphere. In modern times the development of Lumbini has been planned to meet the needs of fast changing International requirements while retaining while retaining the old-world charm and historical and religious traditions and values. An integral part of this transformation is the modern institutions for learning. A void in this field has now been successfully filled by the Universal Empore by opening college of medical education at Bhairahawa.
The girls and boys hostels in the campus are already are already provided with the best boarding, communications, sports, reading room and recreational facilities. The campus area has been transformed into a world of its own, self-contained in all respect, including a temple, beautiful gardens, computer centre, guest house for parents coming to visit their wards and a swimming pool. Outside contacts through E-mail and ISD calls can always be made from the campus.
Lumbini will be one of the major tourist centre of the world in the 21st century and we are happy to be a part of the efforts beings made in this direction by His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
Butwal
Laying at the very foot of Chure Hills, Butwal is famous not only from cultural, business and nature view points, but also from the point, of view of its strategic geographical position. It is the main gate-way to the western Nepal. After archaeologist Dr. Munthe and a group of American archaeologists excavated 10.1 million years old dental ruins of Ramapithekas human tribe on the bank of the Tinahu (Tilottama) river, Butwal has also been proved to be a significant site for the study of prehistoric age.
Place To See
Phulbari the palace of Palpali Sen clan for winter season is very fascinating from natural and archaeological values.
There are ruins and antiquities of the majestic palace of Manimuknda Sen an ancient Palpali King containing 6 large rooms as well as royal residence, administrative and fascinating scenic grandeur of Butwal, Siddharthanagar and other neighbouring villages of Rupandehi district can be vividly seen from here at night also.
His Majesty's Government, archaeological department has attempted to maintain it in 2051/2052 fiscal year. Now Butwal municipality has formed Council for the conservation of Manimukunda Sen Park to conduct 'Phulbari Develop meted Programme and attempted to make it an amusing and a tourist resort.
Other Important Place
Jitgadhi:
Jitgadhi a fortress during Angol Nepal war, Narayan temple built by (1864 B.S.) Hanuman temple and Shivalaya of Hanumagngadhi, Jalabinayak Mehadev temple, Siddababa temple, Nuwakot etc. are famous centres of attraction in Butwal.
Sainamaina:
Located about 12 Km. west from Butwal and to North from Banakatti, Sainamaina as an open museum is very famous and fascinating resort from historical archaeological culture and natural points of view. Among the different Gramas villages of Shakya King, it was in the Samgrama site. An Indian queen (Begam) because of the revolution of the soldiers came to this area with her soldiers and porters (‘Sena’ and Mena’) and finally this area came to be known as Saina Maina. It is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient ruins and antiquities statues of dancing saints, ruins of palace, well etc.
The statue of Buddha (Jogidanda) was very significant different ruins of having the values of classical art are scattered here and there. This famous archaeological site is being occupied by homeless and landless people. Some of the antiquities of this site are seen thrown around the Lumbini museum.
Ramagram:
Ancient Ramagram (Dewadaha Koligram, Byagrahapur) the maternal state of Lord Buddha is seen to be situated to the east of the Rohini River. The mound of bricks located on the bank of the Jharai River at Deuraha in Anawad VDC about 6 Km. from Parasi, the headquarters of Nawalparasi district is supposed to be the ancient Ramagram now.
After the death (Mahapari Nirwana) of lord Buddha the ‘Astidhatu’ was divided between 8 states-Magadha, Baishali, Kapilvastu, Alkappa, Ramagrama, Vediwa, Pawa and Kushinagar. Ajatshatru of Magadha state had grabbed the ‘Astidhatu’ of Lord Buddha from other states and built another Stupa, but he could not grab the ‘Astidhatu’ of lord Buddha, is in the ovum of the present Stupa (9 meter height and 29 meter diameter) of Ramagram. A research recently made by UNESCO here also proved that different artefacts and antiquities are lain in the ovum of Ramagram.
Daunne Devi, Palhi Bhagawati, Tribenighat are the famous resorts around Ramagram.
Tansen Bazar:
Tansen Bazar, the headquarters of Palpa district, a fascinating centre from historical cultural, religious, geographical, natural and tourist view points, is situated at an altitude of 1371 meters above the sea level on the lap of picturesque Shreenagar hill. Historical it has enjoyed a strategic position on the trade and pilgrim route between the hills and the plains. Unique geographical location, climate, Zigzag and cobbled streets, attractive Newari buildings, pagoda style temples, shrines and Stupas, attractive Durbar Gate, typical Magar villages, fascinating panoramic scenes etc. are abundant in Tansen Bazar.
Places to See:
Bhagawati Temple
Located at Bhagawati Tole, Tansen-8 near the Tansen Durgar, it was build by Ujir Singh Thapa in Pagoda style in 1814 A.D. to commemorate the Nepali victor over colonial British-India forces.
It is the pilgrimage of Palpalies, it has undergone many physical adjustments. Huge stone statues of lions, eight armed statue of Bhagawati, artistic stony Shivalaya, open premise etc. are the attractions of this temple.
Amarnarayan Temple
A classic three tiered pagoda style temple was build by Amarsingh Thapa, the son of Birbhadra Thapa, the then prime minister of King Prithvipal Sen in 1807 A.D. The temple of lord Mahadev, ponds, parks, rest houses, fine wood carving, erotic figures on the roof struts, beautifully carved doors, natural water spring etc. are the attractions of this temple.
Tansen Durbar
The palace of provincial governor build in the heavy handed Rana style in 1927 A.D. is in the heart of Tansen bazaar. The imposing entrance gate on the Eastern side of the compound is believed to be the biggest and tallest gate in Asia.
Shreenagar Hill
A picturesque and touristic resort, Shreenagar Hill abounds in fascinating scenes, snow capped mountain, panoramic view of the Tansen town evergreen forest, impressive meadown on the hill top, bowl shaped Madi Vally and splendid charming scenes of sun rise and sun set ca be seen from here.
Bhairabsthan Temple
Situated in Bhairabsthan VDC-5, nine (9) Kms. west of Tansen Bhairabsthan temple is famous from historical cultural and religious points of view. As the temple is located on a hill a magnificent view of Himalayan ranges, panoramic scenes of surrounding hills and mountain can be seen from here. The largest golden trident in Asia is in front of the temple.
Some other important places in Palpa region are Shital Pati (the round house) Amargunj, Ganesh Temple Ananda Vihar, Mahachaitya Vihar, Mahadevi Vihar, Parileyak Ban Rose Garden, Pravas Lake, Chandi Bhanjyang, Ranighat, Ramdi, Rambhapali, Satyawati lake etc.
Ridi:
A triangular meeting point of Gandaki and Lumbini Zones, Syangja, Gulmi and Palpa districts. Ridi one of the most famous pilgrimages of Nepal, is situated at an altitude of about 700 m. on the banks of the scared Kali Gandaki River. According to Baraha Purana virgin Ruru, the daughter of Devadatta Rishi and the comeliest and adroitest nymph Paramlochan who destroyed the hard penance of the Rishi, had settled down in Ridi. Hence it is named as Ruru Kshetra. Thousand of religious pilgrims visit Ridi for worldly and eternal relief. About 40 temples have been build in this site Galful den is the bonus of Ridi. One can start rafting from Rudraveni-Ridi-Ramdighat via Trishuli to Narayani river in Chitwan”Shaligram” (holy stones) and small nuggets of “Gold” are found on the banks of the holy Kali Gandaki River.
Places to See:
Ridi-Rishikeshab Temple:
Situated on the bank of scared Kali Gandaki River, Ridi-Rishikeshab temple is the center of the attraction in Ridi. Different stone and metal statues of Bishnu, Harihar Ganesh Manjushri, Thirteen different temples built in Pagoda style, resting houses etc. are inside its complex.
Satyeshwar Mahadev Temple:
About 1.5 km. east of the Ridi Rishikeshab temple, on the bank of the sacred Kali Gandaki River lies the noted historic temple of Satyeshwar Mahadev built by Bhimsen Thapa. This temple houses a beautiful artistic resting house which contains fascinating erotic figures.
Mani Mukundsen Shivalaya, Shova Bhagawati, Bhairab Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan Gambhir Mukteshwar Mahadeva, Yagyamuneshwar, Ruru Kanya, Devdatta etc. are other famous shrines located in Ridi.
Resunga:
One of the most picturesque spots in Lumbini zone, Resunga is rich in scenic grandeur are being situated at an altitude of about 2339 meter from the sea level it laps Tamghas the headquarter of Gulmi district Resunga is also a holy place where Shringa Rishi took hard penance, In course of time it came to be known as Shringa, Risshringa, Rissash-Ringa, Rishinga and then Resunga now.
The comfortable meadows on the hill top of Resunga is an ideal spot to view the breath taking scenes of majestic Dhaulagiri & other Himalayan peaks, green wide expanses of plains of Terai in the south, the panoramic view of the Tamghas Bazar as well as the fascinating scenes upto Gorakhapur, U.P. India can be viewed by telescope from here. One could feel heavenly bliss and a world of its own after reaching the hill top.
Radha Krishna temple, Siddhababa temple, Bishnu temple, Shiva temple are the extra bonus in this site. It is not only a centre for spiritual search and a unique spectrum of natural grandeur but also a dwelling place of rare wild animals and birds.
Places Around Resunga:
Wami
Situated on the bank of Rudrawati River (Popularly known as Badighat) about 15 Kilometers north-west of Tamghas, the headquarters of Gulmi district. Wami is an important place from naural and archaeological values. Wamitaksar bazar, Wamikot, Gurungkot, Shalime Daha, Malarani, Deurali etc. are famous spots in Wami VDC.
Aanpchaur
Aanpchaur about 12 km. north-west from Tamghas is famous in Nepal for coffee and a big cave.
Dhurkot
About 10 km. north of Tamghas, Dhurkot is famous from touristic view point. A big cave, zigzag Chhalli river, Khadka Chhatra kot, Kalika Sthan are fascinating spots.
Wangla VDC:
Situated about 12 km. north of Tambhas Bazar, Wangla VDC contains famous spots like Ishorithana and Siddhathana temples.
Marbhung:
About 15 km. north from Tamghas Bazar, Marbhung has become a famous spot. The origin point of Chhalli and Panaha (Khola) river commonly known as Malikathana, the garden of Rhododendrons, Marbhungkot, Simaltari, Ismakot etc. are beautiful spots around Marbhung V.D.C. Musikot Gulmi Durbar, Dibrung etc. are other important places around Resunga.
Argharajasthal
Argharajasthal situated to the west of Sandhikhark the headquarters of Arghakhanchi district is one of the most famous historical and cultural resorts dating back to the 15th century. The Mahakali temple built on the top of a picturesque hill hods immense religious and historical significance. Kalika temple a place built in middle-age, Bhusal clan’s temples ancient artefacts, sword, weapons etc. are inside the temple complex.
To keep the grand and rich culture of Arghakot up with, the system of “Guthi” has been managed in 1890, 1902 and 1931 B.S. A grand fair is observed for fifteen days i.e., from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Ashwin Shukla Poornima here every year. Wooden inscriptions wooden ancient artefacts etc. are very fascinating things inside the temple. A unique spectrum of natural extravaganza can be seen from here Thandadaha, Khana Cave, Kauli Peak and Durga cave seven storeyed cave are the famous historical cultural and touristic resorts around Argharajasthal.
