Oldest Buddha shrine excavated

Summary

Archaeologists have uncovered a significant wooden shrine at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal, believed to be the birthplace of Buddha. The structure dates back to 600 BC, predating previous structures by 300 years. This discovery supports the traditional claim that Shakyamuni Buddha was born 2500 years ago, countering recent scholarly debates suggesting a later birth date. The site, visited by millions annually, also features an open area where tree roots once grew, aligning with the narrative of Buddha's birth under a tree.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal, which is believed to be the birthplace of Buddha.
• 🏺 A wooden structure was unearthed at the center of the temple, with elements dating back to 600 BC, providing new evidence for the timeline of Buddha's birth.
• 🌳 The discovery supports the claim that there was a temple structure during the time of Buddha's birth, contrary to previous beliefs that the temple was built 300 years later.
• 🗓️ The dating of the wooden structure aligns with the traditional belief that Shakyamuni Buddha was born 2500 years ago, despite some scholars arguing for a later date.
• 🌳 The site features an open area where tree roots once grew, which is significant as Buddha is said to have been born under a tree.
• 🔨 Archaeologists plan to open a trench in the center of the temple to further investigate the archaeological significance of the site.
• 🏰 The ruins at Lumbini were initially discovered in 1896, with surrounding monasteries and stupas dating back to 300 BC.
• 👫 Millions of monks, nuns, and pilgrims visit Lumbini every year, making the discovery of such a well-preserved monument beneath the surface even more remarkable.
• 🌿 The preservation of the site under dense jungle has contributed to the remarkable state of the unearthed temple structure.
• 📜 The discovery has the potential to shed new light on the historical context and timeline of Buddha's life and the development of Buddhism.

Q & A

What significant discovery was made by archaeologists at Lumbini in southern Nepal?

Archaeologists discovered a wooden structure at the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, which is believed to be the birthplace of Buddha.

What is the significance of the Maya Devi Temple?

The Maya Devi Temple is named after Buddha's mother and is celebrated as the birthplace of Buddha.

How far back does the discovered wooden structure date?

Elements of the wooden structure have been scientifically proven to date back to 600 BC.

What was the previous evidence regarding the existence of a structure at the time of Buddha's birth?

Until now, there was no evidence of a structure from the time of Buddha's birth, only a stupa which is 300 years later.

What has been the traditional belief regarding the birth year of Shakyamuni Buddha?

Buddhism has maintained that Shakyamuni Buddha was born 2500 years ago.

What has been the recent scholarly debate about the birth year of Buddha?

In recent years, some scholars have argued that Buddha was born 200 years later, in the 4th century BC.

What does the excavated site at Lumbini resemble?

The excavated site looks much like the temple built on top but also features an open area where tree roots once grew.

Why are the tree roots at the site significant?

The tree roots are significant because Buddha is said to have been born under a tree.

What is the plan for further archaeological investigation at the center of the temple?

Archaeologists plan to open a trench right in the center of the temple to explore further, as the center should be one of the most important points.

When were the ruins at Lumbini first discovered?

The ruins at Lumbini were discovered in dense jungle in 1896.

How many people visit Lumbini annually, and why is it significant that the monument was found well-preserved?

Millions of monks, nuns, and pilgrims visit Lumbini every year, making it even more amazing that such an important monument has been unearthed so well preserved.