Lumbini in the Rupandehi district of Nepal is considered the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha after achieving enlightenment. The Lumbini complex comprises numerous sacred sites, such as the renowned Mayadevi temple, which is dedicated to the mother of Buddha. Next to the temple is a holy lake where it is believed that Mayadevi bathed before Siddhartha's birth.
Described in Buddhist texts as Pradimoksha-van (sinless forest), Lumbini Bagh contained bark trees, beautiful flowers, and birds. King Anjan of the Kolia dynasty is said to have created this garden for his queen Rupadevi or Rummindei. In the Magadhi language, Rupadevi or Rummindei is pronounced as "Lumindei," which some scholars suggest is the origin of the name Lumbini. However, others argue that Emperor Ashoka bestowed this name later.
The Kolia clan, linked through marriage to the Shakya clan of Kapilavastu, jointly oversaw the garden. Mayadevi, the daughter of King Anjana, married the Sakya King Suddhodana. According to Buddhist texts, Lumbini was situated along an ancient trade route that passed through locations like Kapilvastu (current location uncertain), Kushinagar (in modern Uttar Pradesh), Vaishali, Pataliputra, Nalanda, and Rajagriha (all in present-day Bihar). This route featured shops, eateries, and rest houses for both the elite and common people.
