Kapilvastu: An Ancient Wonder and the hometown of lord Buddha.

Kapilavastu was the capital city of the Shakya clan, where King Śuddhodana, the father of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), ruled. Although the Buddha was born in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal), he spent his early years in Kapilavastu, where he lived a life of luxury before renouncing it in search of enlightenment. Although, It is believed that it was from Kapilavastu that Siddhartha left his palace at the age of 29 to begin his journey toward enlightenment. Places to visit: 1. Tilaurakot Archaeological Site Believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya kingdom. Excavations revealed palace ruins, city walls, gates, and other ancient structures. Thought to be the place where Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) lived until age 29. 2. Eastern Gate of Tilaurakot According to Buddhist tradition, this is the gate Siddhartha Gautama used to leave the palace secretly at night for renunciation (the Great Departure). 3. Western Gate Main entrance of the ancient city. This and other gates mark the boundaries of what was once a walled city. 4. Niglihawa About 8 km north of Tilaurakot. Birthplace of Krakuchhanda Buddha (one of the past Buddhas). Features an Ashokan Pillar with inscriptions from Emperor Ashoka. 5. Gotihawa Believed to be the birthplace of Kāśyapa Buddha (another past Buddha). Also has a broken Ashokan Pillar and ancient stupas. 6. Kudan (Nigrodharama) Around 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot. Site of the first meeting of Buddha with his father (King Śuddhodana) after his enlightenment. Remains of a stupa and monastery found here. 7. Sagarhawa Site of an ancient massacre of Shakya clan by King Vidudabha (as per Buddhist texts). Contains ruins of a large stupa believed to commemorate those who died. 8. Arorrakot Darbar Fortified ancient site about 10 km from Tilaurakot. Believed to be another ancient Shakya settlement.