Which of the following sites is associated with the birth of Gautama Buddha?

Which of the following sites is associated with the birth of Gautama Buddha? Correct Answer Lumbini

The correct answer is Lumbini.

• The Lord Buddha was born in 563 BC in the sacred area of Lumbini located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal.

Key Points

• A World Heritage Site since 1997, Lumbini has attracted travelers and worshippers for centuries.
• The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya is located in the central part of the state of Bihar.
• The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C.
• Mahabodhi temple is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Additional Information

• Mahayana Buddhism:
  • After the death of Buddha, a group evolved who believed that compassion for all humanity was an important part of the path, and that teaching is fully available to all.
  • Those who followed the newly expanded ideals called themselves Mahayana meaning the big raft.
  • In Mahayana Buddhism, all practicing Buddhists are apprentice Bodhisattvas.
  • In Mahayana countries, images of the Buddha are set up in the temples and homes as an object of worship.
• Hinayana Buddhism:
  • From about 100 years after the death of the Buddha, there had been a movement towards embracing the style of Buddhism.
  • The early monks concentrated on personal enlightenment, seeking spiritual answers for themselves, and teaching others the way of enlightenment.
  • But the information was severely limited to the lay community as it was assumed only minks could achieve Buddhahood.
  • This section came to be known as Hinayana or also known as Theravada.
  • Theravada means the way of elders.
• Milindapanha:
  • The Milindapanha, or "Milinda's Questions," is an important early Buddhist text that usually is not included in the Pali Canon.
  • Even so, the Milindapanha is cherished because it addresses many of Buddhism's most difficult doctrines with wit and clarity. 
  • The Milindapanha presents a dialogue between King Menander I (Milinda in Pali) and an enlightened Buddhist monk named Nagasena.
  • Menander- I was an Indo-Greek king thought to have ruled from about 160 to 130 BCE.
  • He was a king of Bactria, an ancient kingdom that took in what is now Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, plus a small part of Pakistan.