5. September - October 2010

HERITAGE
Puskarni, on the south of the Mayadevi temple, is the famous
sacred bath pool where it is believed that Mayadevi took a bath
after giving birth to Lord Buddha. The structure, laid in fine brick
masonry, is of a secular nature and has three projecting terraces
in a descending order. During the course of renovations of this
sacred pond, it was found at the bottom, two artesian wells one
with Hot water and other with cold water. In Birth-Stories of Buddha
it has been said after Mahamaya gave birth to Gautama Buddha he
apparently fell to the ground and walked seven paces. Two-dragon
kings appeared and washed his body with hot and cold water from
wells in the vicinity. Keeping this fact also in mind we can ascertain
Lumbini as birthplace of Lord Buddha. A pool of oily liquid also
appeared to be used by the Queen for cleaning herself after the
delivery. This memory of a river with oily character still exists and is
called Tillar Nadi (oil river) which flows through south – east of the
Ashokan pillar.
new Mayadevi temple incorporates brickwork with
lime surkhi mortar and that steel structures with
nut and bolt joints have been used to support the
archaeological ruins to facilitate easy dismantling
when required.
Monastic Zone
© Anand Gupta
While the Mahayana West Monastic Zone consists
of 29 plots (21 being reserved for different
countries), the Theravada East Zone consists
of 13 plots (9 plots similarly reserved). Out of
these 30 reserved plots, only 10 monasteries
have been completed so far, while 12 plots are
undergoing construction. The monasteries built
have represented architectural style of their
respective country but the desired population
density has not been achieved as required by the
Master Plan. In each of the two monastic zones
there are two plots of land for the construction of
meditation centres. In order to unify the various
styles, landscaping is intended to be coordinated
according to the Master Plan. A space known as
a Monastic Plaza, made up of circular or semicircular
steps, will be located in the centre of each
monastic zone. Each plaza will be serving as a
central gathering point and will have a symbolic
sculpture placed at its centre. But the present
development here have been widely criticised for
damaging the essence of the Master plan as will
be discussed later in this paper.
New Lumbini Village & Cultural Centre
China
Korea
Myanamar
Germany
Several cultural facilities having a strong
international flavour and landscapes suitable
to the functions are planned in the Cultural
Centre. These include facilities for international
conferences and seminars, museum, library,
etc., for research on the Buddhist thought
and philosophy. In addition, facilities of
accommodation for pilgrims as lodging houses,
hotels and facilities for daily requirements have
also been accommodated in the Master plan.
The Monastic Enclave, representing the two sects of the Mahayana and Theravada school of Buddhism,
is situated in the north of the Sacred Garden and symbolizes the understanding of knowledge. Plots (29
Mahayana & 13 Theravada, totalling 42) have been allocated to different countries in this enclave for
constructing monasteries which provide an insight of the religion and life of the people of the respective
country. At present, extravagant monasteries have been constructed by people of different countries
following Buddhism, reflecting their interpretation and manifestation of Buddhism, thereby creating a
fascinating map of Buddhist philosophy revered around the world.
September-October 2010
79
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