Stupa Complex

Piprahwa is a small hamlet near Birdpur which is in the district of Siddharthnagar in Uttar Pradesh, India. In this area, spicy scented rice known as Kalanamak rice is grown. This place is widely known for the excavations and for being the archaeological site which shows that was a burial place of the Buddha's ashes which was given to his Shakya Clan. There is a large stupa and some ruins of monasteries and also some museums are located in this site called Piprahwa Stupa Complex, Kapilvastu.

Ancient shrines and residential complexes we’re uncovered during the adjacent mound of Ganwaria. According to some scholars, the present-day Piprahwa and Ganwaria is the ancient city of Kapilvastu which was the capital of the Shakya Kingdom. This is the place where Siddhartha Gautama spent the twenty years of his life.

History

The meaning of Shakya is 'Capable'. In Sanskrit the meaning is Able. The capital of Kapilvastu is Shakya which is Nepal in modern-day. The famous prince of the Shakya dynasty was Siddhartha Gautama who later on founded Buddhism in the fifth century BCE. In the modern-day world, the place Kapilvastu is fully administered by the Constitution of India and it’s adhered to. There is a rich and vivid history behind the Shakya Capital or better known as Kapilvastu. Several stories of belief and faith that are told by the locals. The stories are age-old and have been among the people for centuries now.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit this place is from October to April. The area is around 1738 kilometres and there is a population of around 571,936 as shown by the census of 2011.

How To Reach?

By Air: The nearest domestic airport is the Gorakhpur airport it is around 140 kilometres away from the Piprahwa Stupa. This airport is connected well with the flights coming from Delhi. Kapilvastu is around 108kms away from the airport. You can get hold of luxurious taxis and some private vehicles and reach your destination from the airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station is the Naugarh which is around 21 km from Kapilvastu. Several taxis and buses are there is the place are well connected due to them.

By Road: From Kushinagar, Lumbini and also from Sravasti, people can get hold of private busses or state buses. You can also hire taxis or a cab and reach your destination. Kapilvastu is a few minutes away from Lumbini as compared to the distance from Sravasti to Kapilvastu.

Nearby Attractions

The Kapilvastu Buddha Mahotsav is the best time to visit. This occurs from 29th December to 31st December every year. The people who follow Buddhism come and visit this place and stay for three days.

The Palace Site: During the 1970s excavations, the ruins of the palace which is believed to be of the Shuddodhan King, who was the father of Lord Buddha.

Gorakhpur: This place is 110kms away from Kapilvastu. This place is filled with historic places and Buddhist Sites.

Ayodhya: This is the holy place for Hindus where Lord Ram was born and spent most of his life. His father was the king of Ayodhya. You will be delighted to visit this place.

Come and enjoy your holidays at Piprahwa Stupa Complex, Kapilvastu and you will be glad you made a plan to do so.