Archaeologists working in southern Nepal have uncovered an ancient temple that they say strengthens evidence linking the area to key moments in Buddha’s early life. The discovery, made at Tilaurakot near Lumbini, suggests the site was once a major center of worship during the early centuries of Buddhism.
The structure was found inside the fortified ruins of Tilaurakot, believed to be the capital of the ancient Sakya Kingdom, where Siddhartha Gautama spent his youth as a prince. Researchers identified the building as an apsidal temple, marked by a rounded rear wall, and dated it to between the third and fifth centuries AD. They say it is the first temple of this kind discovered in Nepal.
Experts involved in the excavation say the find confirms that Tilaurakot was not only a political center but also an active place of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage. The temple sits within the courtyard of a monastery built over the remains of an earlier palace complex, pointing to long-term religious use of the site.
Temple discovery in Nepal highlights links to Buddha’s early life
Robin Coningham, a professor at Durham University in England and co-director of the project, explained that the team uncovered objects such as stupas, oil lamps and alms bowls. He said these items clearly show the area’s close association with Buddhist rituals and pilgrims in the past.
Researchers noted that the temple closely resembles a similar structure at Sarnath in India, where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon. They say this architectural match strengthens the historical link between Tilaurakot and events that followed the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Ancient travel records also support the findings. Accounts written by Chinese monks, including Faxian and Xuanzang, describe important Buddhist sites in the region that archaeologists believe refer to Tilaurakot.
Tilaurakot lies about 27 kilometers (16.8 miles) from the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, the Buddha’s birthplace. The site was first identified in 1899 by Indian archaeologist P.C. Mukherjee and has since revealed roads, shrines, pottery, and ancient coins dating back to the third century BC.
UNESCO review and the site’s limited visibility today
Despite its importance, Tilaurakot attracts far fewer visitors than Lumbini. Scholars say limited promotion and weak links to the broader story of Buddha’s life have kept it overlooked.
Last year, UNESCO delayed a decision on granting World Heritage status to Tilaurakot-Kapilvastu. The agency asked Nepal to complete further research, including a detailed study of the newly found temple.
Archaeologists believe the discovery could help address those concerns and highlight the Buddha’s life as closely connected through history.
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