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The Sacred Garden in Lumbini, Nepal, is one of the most important and revered areas within the Lumbini pilgrimage site, which is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Buddha. This garden is not only a peaceful and serene landscape but also holds significant historical, religious, and cultural value, making it a destination for pilgrims and tourists from all around the world. The Sacred Garden encompasses various monuments, sacred sites, and natural beauty, all of which collectively contribute to Lumbini’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Features of the Sacred Garden:

1. Maya Devi Temple (Birthplace of Buddha):
   At the heart of the Sacred Garden lies the Maya Devi Temple, the most significant and iconic structure in Lumbini. This temple marks the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE. The temple houses a birth mark or stone structure that indicates the birthplace of Buddha. Visitors can see the sacred birthplace where Buddha is believed to have emerged and also view the Sacred Pool or Puskarini, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth. The temple is an important site of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists.

2. Ashoka Pillar:
   Erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in 249 BCE, the Ashoka Pillar is another vital historical landmark located within the Sacred Garden. Ashoka, after converting to Buddhism, visited Lumbini to honor the Buddha's birthplace and declared it a holy site. The pillar is engraved with inscriptions in Brahmi script that mark the significance of Lumbini as the birth of Buddha. The Ashoka Pillar is considered an important historical artifact, and its presence in the Sacred Garden further emphasizes the site's religious and historical importance.

3. The Sacred Pool (Puskarini):
   The Sacred Pool (also called Puskarini) is located near the Maya Devi Temple and is an important element of the Sacred Garden. According to Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya Devi took a ritual bath in this pool before giving birth to Siddhartha. The pool is a place of spiritual significance, and many pilgrims visit it to perform purification rituals and reflect on the Buddha's birth. The surrounding area adds to the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the garden.

4. Bodhi Tree:
   In the Sacred Garden, there is a Bodhi Tree, a descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. The Bodhi Tree symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment and serves as a site for meditation, reflection, and prayer. Visitors often sit under the tree to meditate, seeking peace and spiritual insight, following in the footsteps of Buddha’s journey toward awakening.

5. Monasteries and Temples:
   The Sacred Garden is not only a historical site but also a place where various Buddhist communities from around the world have established monasteries and temples. These structures reflect the diversity of Buddhist culture and architecture. Countries like Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and China have built their own temples and monasteries, each with unique designs, reflecting their specific Buddhist traditions. These temples add to the multicultural atmosphere of Lumbini and contribute to the garden’s spiritual energy.

6. Lush Greenery and Tranquil Atmosphere:
   The Sacred Garden is a vast expanse of beautiful greenery, with well-maintained gardens, trees, and peaceful walking paths. The serene environment makes it an ideal location for meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The natural beauty of the garden, along with its sacred monuments, creates a peaceful and reflective space that draws visitors seeking spiritual solace and connection.

7. Lumbini Museum:
   While the Lumbini Museum is not technically part of the Sacred Garden itself, it is located nearby and is an integral part of the overall Lumbini pilgrimage experience. The museum contains numerous artifacts, sculptures, and relics related to the history of Lumbini, Buddha’s life, and the development of Buddhism as a world religion. Visitors can learn about the significance of Lumbini through displays and exhibits, further enriching the experience of the Sacred Garden.

8. Pilgrimage and Meditation Sites:
   The Sacred Garden is home to numerous quiet spots for reflection and meditation. Pilgrims from around the world come to the garden to honor the Buddha's birth and meditate in its peaceful surroundings. There are dedicated spaces for meditation under trees, near the sacred pool, and in front of temples. These sites allow individuals to connect with the spiritual legacy of the Buddha and engage in personal practice.

9. Sacred and Spiritual Atmosphere:
   The Sacred Garden exudes a profound sense of spirituality, drawing on the collective significance of the monuments, temples, and natural environment. It is a place where people can feel a deep connection to the Buddha's teachings, reflecting on the core tenets of Buddhism—such as peace, enlightenment, and compassion. The combination of historical landmarks and the tranquil setting makes the garden an oasis of peace and spiritual renewal.

Religious and Cultural Importance:

• Buddhist Pilgrimage: The Sacred Garden is a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims worldwide. It is a place of reverence, reflection, and spiritual connection, where visitors come to pay homage to the Buddha's birthplace. It is a pilgrimage site of great importance for those following the Buddhist faith.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lumbini, including the Sacred Garden, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 in recognition of its historical, cultural, and religious significance. This recognition helps ensure the preservation of the site for future generations and highlights its importance as a global spiritual center.

Conclusion:

The Sacred Garden in Lumbini is a serene and spiritually enriching space, central to the Buddha's birthplace and his legacy. It features key historical landmarks, such as the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Sacred Pool, along with lush greenery, meditation spots, and beautiful monasteries. The garden offers visitors a tranquil environment for reflection and prayer, and it serves as a profound reminder of the Buddha’s life and teachings. As part of Lumbini's greater sacred site, the Sacred Garden remains one of the most significant and revered pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists worldwide.