The Great Lotus Stupa IN LUMBANI NEPAL

GREAT LOTUS STUPA IN LUMBANI IN NEPAL

At the end of the 1970’s, Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) was founded to implement a vision: developing Lumbini as an international pilgrimage site. The government allotted about three square miles of land to the trust which is divided into three zones: The Sacred Garden Zone, The Monastic Zone and The Educational and Culture Zone including the research zone. The Monastic Zone, further divided into the East and West zones, is the area where Buddhists from all over the world can build temples of their respective tradition. The east zone comprises mainly of temples built by the followers of Theravat Buddhism (Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India etc.) and the west zone comprises of temples of Mahayana Buddhism ( Vietnam, Kampuchea, Bhutan, Japan etc.) and Tibetan Buddhism (Drigung Kagyud Sect).Many Asian countries have built monasteries in Lumbini, but the first western country to do so was Germany. According to the German director, Ferdinand Rinchen Phuntsok, the motivation to construct ‘The Great Lotus Stupa’ was derived in 1999, and with the suggestion of his teacher, Venerable Drubpon Sonam Jhorphel Rinpoche, the spiritual director of Drigung Kagyud Dharmaraja Foundation, Lumbini was selected as the ideal location, and plot WB4 (120m X 120m) was leased for 99 years. The construction of the complex started in May 2000 and was inaugurated on 27th February 2004.The design of the Great Lotus Stupa is based on Buddha’s teachings. The measurements and style are in accordance with the principles dating back thousands of years, perhaps right up to the time of Buddha, and, as recorded in the writings of the great Tibetan scholar Rigzin Choskyi Drakpa. The complex consists of the ‘Great Lotus Stupa’, a religious monument combining the Gompa and the Stupa. Vividly painted as per the Drigung Kagyud tradition, the stupa is clad with Italian marble and decorated using brass ornamentations. A gold plated pinnacle rests on a column free colourful meditation hall. Careful consideration is given to circumstances like earthquake; storm and fire, the only inflammable material used in construction are the woodcarvings at the entrance.The accommodation facilities are located in the north, east and west wings, with kitchen block at the north east. All the buildings are single storied and are designed in a Newari style with a touch of modern architecture.