03 Feb Kapilavastu2
Most important place in Kapilavastu:
*Tilaurakot Kapilvastu*
Archaeological sites where Siddhartha lived.
– We entered through this gate: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XoQGX4EgqJ63smGm6
– Palace of Prince Siddhartha: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWAVwPFA2CMqjg6NA
– Gate through which Siddhartha went to study with the masters of the forests: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FTaLXTsgXaMe2LJ79
– Capital of Kapilavastu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LojYurKZyCzAimkc8
Places very close to the palace that we can visit on foot:
*Kanthak Stupa*
– Very close and a very simple place, you can barely see what it is. A 2-minute walk from the gate where Buddha left: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pP4MgpWUsGgaSAcL8
– About 100 m east of the gate lies a stupa, believed to be erected at the spot where Kanthaka, the favorite horse of Prince Siddhartha, had died. It is believed that the horse had a sole purpose to accomplish – to take the Bodhisattva out of the world of luxury and help him achieve perfect enlightenment. After crossing the Anoma River, Siddhartha shaved his head and formally entered the world of monkshood. He sent Chhanna, his charioteer, and Kanthaka, the horse, back home. The horse served the destined purpose and died before entering the palace gate (Rijal, 1996: 24). Both Chinese travellers have noticed the stupa during their visit to Kapilavastu. https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/post/2_6680b9d6349fe
*Twin or Dhamnihawa Stupas*
– 3 to 5 minutes walking north from the same gate: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RXmvHpRij4XLf7q86
– The Dhamnihawa Stupas are believed to have been built to commemorate the Lord Buddha's parents, King Suddhodan and Queen Mayadevi. The twin stupas are located on the banks of Banganga river, around 800 meters north of Tilaurakot. The stupas were unearthed between 1968 and 1969. https://kathmandupost.com/travel/2019/09/21/seven-historical-sites-in-kapilvastu-that-you-probably-didn-t-know-about
Next most important place:
*Kudan Stupa or The Ancient Nyigrodharama Site*
– 10 min drive south of the palace: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sr22LcYgbQZxv4886
– An important site for Buddhists, Nigrodharam, also known as Kudan, lies about 2.5km south from Taulihawa. It is here that King Suddhodan Shakya, the Buddha's father, constructed a large vihara to meet his son for the first time after Siddhartha achieved enlightenment. It is also the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first discourse following enlightenment to his followers, including his wife Yashodhara and son Rahul. Recent excavation projects have discovered a wooden post-hole dating to the 8th century BCE which they believe will be instrumental in yielding new information about the Buddha's life. https://kathmandupost.com/travel/2019/09/21/seven-historical-sites-in-kapilvastu-that-you-probably-didn-t-know-about
Other locations related to other Buddhas, starting with the one furthest north of the palace, very, very simple:
*Niglihawa*
– 10 min drive north of the palace: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LBZp1FRPduZMVAh79
– The Birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha. Located about 7 kilometers northeast of Taulihawa, Niglihawa is recognized as the birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha. In 249 BC, Emperor Asoka visited this revered site and erected a stone pillar inscribed in Brahmi script and Pali language. The inscription commemorates Asoka's enlargement of Kanakamuni Buddha's stupa, his worship at the site, and the erection of the pillar to mark the birthplace during his 20th coronation year. Additionally, the pillar bears an inscription by King Ripu Malla from 1312 AD. Renowned Chinese pilgrims, including Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang, documented the Kanakamuni Stupa and Asoka Pillar in their travelogues. In recent times, a small statue of Kanakamuni Buddha has been established at the site, adding to its historical and spiritual significance. https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/page/2_667f8489290b3
*Arorakot*
– 2km from Niglihawa: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Su4bXWuoQGwycVEcA
– Hometown of Kanakamuni Buddha. Located 1.4km east of Niglihawa and 10km northeast of Taulihawa, Araurakot is identified as the town where Kanakamuni Buddha lived, grew up, and spent his married life. It was an ancient walled forest area, now visible as a large rectangular fortified ruin with remnants of a moat and brick fortifications. Archaeologists have recommended thorough excavation of Araurakot and the surrounding sites like Thumwa, Semari, Gobari, and Niglihawa to better understand this complex. A 2015 geophysical survey by UNESCO revealed significant structural ruins beneath the citadel. https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/page/2_667f8489290b3
Further south of Kapilavastu:
*Gotihawa*
– 3km from Kudan (visit further south than Kapilavastu): https://maps.app.goo.gl/hxH5D2rtWeS5Y1xz5
– The Birthplace of Krakuchhanda Buddha. Located about 5km southwest of Taulihawa, Gotihawa is identified as the holy place where Krakuchhanda Buddha was born and attained enlightenment. In 249 BC, Emperor Asoka visited the site, erected a stone pillar, and built a large stupa to commemorate the birthplace of Krakuchhanda Buddha. The Asoka Pillar, standing 3.25m high with a diameter of 83/79 cm, remains in-situ on its original masonry basement foundation. Prominent Chinese travellers like Fa-hsien and Hiuen Tsang also mention the pillar and stupa erected by Asoka at Gotihawa. Excavations have revealed ancient potteries, brick structures of stupas and monasteries, an ancient well, and a water tank around the modern Gotihawa village, indicating that the site has been inhabited since the 6th century BC. https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/page/2_667f8489290b3
The museum seems to be closed on Tuesdays.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zisR6ZgRN5EDcjvA8
*Maps and pages about the locations of Kapilavastu*
– Map of Kapilavastu: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHsj_c8HEDD4qppSLZRpuzKuGDgp28Ar/view?usp=sharing
– Good article in the Kathmandu Post newspaper: https://kathmandupost.com/travel/2019/09/21/seven-historical-sites-in-kapilvastu-that-you-probably-didn-t-know-about
– Page with good information on the website of the Ministry of Culture of Nepal: https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/post/2_6680b9d6349fe
– With more information and a map: https://lumbinidevtrust.gov.np/page/2_667f8489290b3