Kapilvastu
is situated in Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It lies at a
distance of approximately 27 km to the south of Lumbini. Now known as
Piprahwa, it used to be the erstwhile capital of the Shakya kingdom.
Lord Buddha was born in Kapilvastu, as King Shuddhodhana of the Shakya
clan. He spent his first twenty-nine years of life in this region only.
Protected from all the harsh realities of life, he was leading a life of
pure bliss. But, one day he came across people suffering from various
miseries in life. That day, he gave up all the comforts and left his home to help others in relieving their agony. These events led to the establishment of one of the greatest religions of the world, known as Buddhism. Excavations carried out by the Archaeological survey of India relate Kapil Vastu to the Kushan period. The excavations include a stupa, of an ancient monastery named Devaputra, and two mounds, regarded as the ruins of King Suddhodhana's palace. Other major attractions of Kapilvastu include stupas built by Ashoka and the Gupta Kings, relics of Lord Buddha, etc.
How to Reach Kapilvastu
By Air
Bhairahwa airport, Kathmandu airport and Varanasi airport are the nearest ones to Kapilvastu.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is that of Siddhartha Nagar (20 km) or you can even take a train from the Gorakhpur railway station.
By Road
Kapilvastu is well connected with the major destinations in Nepal, by road. You can also get private buses as well as taxis linking Kapil Vastu with the major cities of Uttar Pradesh.
