History of Rajakiya Vihar, Lumbini
Lumbini: A Sacred Buddhist Site
Nepal is home to several significant Buddhist sites that attract pilgrims, researchers, and meditators from around the world. Among these, Lumbini, Kapilavastu, Ramgram, and Devdaha hold the highest religious and historical importance, particularly Lumbini, where Lord Buddha was born in 623 BCE.
Lumbini has witnessed two distinct eras:
- Historical Era (4th century BCE – 7th century CE) – This period saw the rise of Buddhist monuments from the Pre-Mauryan to the Gupta period, built by influential figures dedicated to the Buddha’s teachings.
- Modern Era (1896 – present) – Lumbini was rediscovered in 1896 by German archaeologist Dr. Alois Führer and Nepal’s Khadga Shumsher Rana, bringing it back into global attention.
After the 7th century CE, Buddhism declined in Nepal and India, and the significance of Lumbini faded from public consciousness. However, its physical location remained unchanged until its rediscovery revived interest in Buddha’s birthplace.
The Need for a Monastery
Following Lumbini’s rediscovery, national and international visitors began to pay homage to the sacred site. Both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike sought to visit Lumbini, but the lack of accommodation and religious facilities posed a challenge.
There was no Buddhist monastery to host pilgrims, provide shelter to monks and nuns, or serve as a center for Dhamma teachings. Recognizing this need, the Nepalese government, under the direction of King Mahendra, initiated the construction of Rajakiya Vihar in 1956.
Construction of Rajakiya Vihar
The monastery was built at a cost of Rs. 400,000, with structural engineer Bed Prasad Lohani, a joint secretary at the Ministry of Roads, leading the project. Lohani, Nepal’s first structural engineer, was assisted by Kirtiraj Shakya, a skilled mason from Kathmandu.
A team of 50 skilled craftsmen from Kathmandu, along with local laborers, completed the monastery in just 10 months.
Inauguration of the Monastery
On May 24, 1956, during the 2500th Vesak Day, the monastery was officially inaugurated by:
- King Mahendra of Nepal
- Vice President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- Various national and international dignitaries
Among the attendees, Prakash Chandra Lohani (former Finance Minister of Nepal) and Bashanta Lohani, both sons of Bed Prasad Lohani, were present and remain among the few living witnesses of the event.
Role of the Monastery
Following its inauguration, Rajakiya vihar became the primary Dhamma center and shelter for Buddhist pilgrims worldwide. Pilgrims would stay at the monastery for a night before visiting the Mayadevi Temple, guided by resident monks who provided teachings on Buddha’s birth under the Sala Tree on the full-moon Vesak day.
The monastery was the first and only Buddhist monastery in Lumbini at the time, serving as a hub for religious activities.
First Abbot and Early Challenges
The first abbot of Rajakiya vihar was Bhante Dhammaloka, who also established Ananda Kuti Vihar near Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. He played a crucial role in conducting Dhamma services and educating pilgrims.
Another notable figure was Bhante Pragyaloka, who frequently traveled to Lumbini from Bhairahawa on elephant-back due to the dense forests and the presence of wild animals, making travel by foot dangerous.
Legacy and Impact
Rajakiya vihar played a pioneering role in reviving Buddhist heritage in Lumbini. It provided a foundation for future monasteries and Buddhist institutions, ensuring that Lumbini remained a spiritual hub for global pilgrims.
Today, it stands as a testament to Nepal’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage, marking an important chapter in the history of Buddhism’s resurgence in its birthplace.