PM Narendra Modi visited Lumbini in Nepal on occasion of Buddha Purnima

Tags: National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lumbini, Nepal, to participate in the Buddha Jayanti (Buddha Purnima) celebrations at the Mayadevi temple on May 16.

• Lumbini (Nepal) is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

• The Prime Minister took a flight from Kushinagar International Airport to Lumbini.

• Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of India International Center for Buddhist Culture and Heritage at Lumbini Monastery Area, Lumbini, Nepal.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Mayadevi temple in Lumbini, Nepal.

• About Buddha Purnima

• Buddha Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

• It is believed that he attained enlightenment on this day.

• People who adopt Buddhism in India prefer to wear white clothes and avoid consuming non-vegetarian food.

• People pour water into the root of the Bodhi tree, give alms and meditate.

• On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, many devotees visit Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.

• Bodhi Temple is the place where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

• About Kushinagar

• Kushinagar is an international tourist destination which is closely associated with Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

• It is one of the four holy places of Lord Buddha.

• Buddha delivered his last sermon in Kushinagar and attained Mahaparinirvana (salvation) in 483 BC and was cremated at Rambhar Stupa.

• The reclining nirvana statue of Lord Buddha inside the temple is 6.10 mt long and is made of monolith red-sandstone of the 5th century A.D. 

• It represents the ‘Dying-Buddha’ reclining on his right side with his face towards the west.

• About Maya Devi Temple 

• It is one of the most ancient Buddhist Temples in Lumbini.

• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• It is known as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.

• The temple is situated in the middle of the park grounds called Lumbini Development Zone.

• This temple marks the spot where Maya Devi gave birth to Gautam Buddha.