Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, continues to grapple with the loss of its priceless relics and ancient artifacts. Sixty-year-old Huseni Lodha, a lifelong resident of Lumbini, recalls the grandeur of the Mayadevi Temple during his youth, lamenting the gradual disappearance of its historical treasures. Despite years of searching for the ancient statues and relics he once saw, Lodha has only fond memories of the past, as the temple’s original artifacts remain elusive.
Decades of Loss and Transformation
Lodha shared his sorrow about the temple’s transformed state. “I doubt the ancient relics will ever return to Lumbini’s sacred soil,” he said, reflecting on the disappearance of statues and bricks from the Mayadevi Temple. By 1992, much of the original temple, including the ancient Bodhi tree and sacred bricks, had vanished. A new temple now stands, yet it fails to capture the spiritual essence of the original structure.
Pandit Yugalkishor Tripathi expressed similar sentiments, noting the absence of religious rituals and artifacts that once defined the temple. He criticized the modern additions, such as the unauthorized spire and the abundance of pigeons, which he believes fail to uphold the temple’s sanctity.
The Sacred Grounds of Lumbini
Lumbini holds immense historical and religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Buddha in 623 BCE. Emperor Ashoka’s pillar marks the site, and remnants like the Pushkarini Pond, where Mayadevi bathed before Buddha’s birth, and the sacred Bodhi tree remain central to Buddhist tradition.
However, many invaluable relics have been lost or damaged over the years. According to archaeologist Meghnath Acharya, Buddha’s birth sculpture, originally adorned with depictions of deities showering flowers, was fragmented. Other artifacts, such as marble and copper statues, are now missing or housed in different locations.
Calls for Immediate Action
The disappearance of these treasures has sparked calls for restoration. Akramuddin Khan, coordinator of the Lumbini Save Campaign, emphasized the need to return Mayadevi Temple to its original form. “The lost relics must be retrieved and preserved to maintain Lumbini’s heritage,” he urged.
Local leaders and residents echo this sentiment, citing the 1993 dismantling of the Mayadevi Temple as a turning point in the loss of artifacts. During this time, 47 statues and items were reportedly removed from the site, many of which remain unaccounted for.
Government and UNESCO Efforts
Lumbini’s restoration has been a focus since the 1970s when an international committee, led by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, created a master plan for its development. While efforts continue under the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), challenges persist.
LDT officials, including archaeologist Himal Upreti, acknowledged that several relics are stored in Lumbini’s museum and Kathmandu’s Chhauni Museum. “The search for the missing artifacts is ongoing, and we aim to house all items in a single repository,” Upreti stated.
The trust has also faced criticism for removing ancient trees and bricks, allegedly under UNESCO’s guidance, to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, former LDT officials expressed their lack of knowledge about the whereabouts of key artifacts.
A Hope for Restoration
Dr. Lyrkial Lama, vice-chairman of the LDT, has pledged to investigate and restore Lumbini’s lost treasures. He emphasized the importance of reinstating these artifacts to preserve the spiritual and cultural legacy of Lord Buddha’s birthplace.
As the world looks to Lumbini as a beacon of peace, the urgency to reclaim and protect its ancient heritage grows stronger. The local community and international organizations must unite to ensure the timeless sanctity of this sacred site endures for generations to come.