The park was previously known as Rummindei, 3.2 km north of Bhagavanpura. According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Ashoka's visit and gifts. A pillar now marks the spot of Ashoka's visit to Lumbiní.

In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was situated between Kapilavastu and Devadaha (both in Nepal). Lumbini was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1997. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate Enlightenment and finally relinquished their earthly forms. Also located there is the Puskarini or Holy Pond where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath. Many monuments, monasteries and a museum - the Lumbini International Research Institute - are also located within the holy site. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi Temple and several others which are still under construction. Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of Gautama Buddha other notable pilgrimage sites include Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya and Sarnath.

Gautama, who achieved Enlightenment some time around 588 BCE, became the Gautama Buddha and founded Buddhism. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE. Lumbinī (Nepali and Sanskrit: लुम्बिनी, 'the lovely') is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi District of Nepal.

Nepal - Lumbini - Manang Samaj Stupa - 14

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