Lumbini

The place of the Buddha's birth, being a park located near to Kapilavastu in present-day Nepal near the Himalayan foothills. Though initially an important place of pilgrimage, it seems to have declined in importance by the 7th century ce and eventually fell into total obscurity until its discovery in 1896. Subsequent excavations have revealed extensive foundations of stūpas, monasteries, and other features; it has also regained its importance as a place of pilgrimage, particularly associated with Buddhist initiatives for world peace and harmony.