Spiritual · Kudan
The homecoming story at Kudan
A slow walk around Kudan's stupas with a guide who tells the story of the Buddha's return to Kapilavastu: the meeting with his father, Rahula's ordination and Mahaprajapati's robe, read from the texts at the places tradition gives them.
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Kudan does not look like much until someone tells you what it is meant to be. We walk the site clockwise, stopping at each stupa base while your guide tells the story of the Buddha's first return home, as the Pali texts and the later pilgrims record it.
There is the meeting with King Suddhodana, who had last seen his son as a prince leaving in the night. There is the young Rahula sent by his mother to ask for his inheritance, and ordained as a novice instead. And there is Mahaprajapati Gautami, who raised the Buddha, offering him a robe and later asking for women to be allowed to join the order.
We finish at the pond, with a few quiet minutes. If you would like to chant or meditate, the site is usually calm enough to do so.
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Questions
What happened at Kudan according to Buddhist tradition?
Tradition identifies Kudan with the Nyagrodharama, the banyan grove outside Kapilavastu where the Buddha stayed on his first return home after enlightenment. Events placed here include his meeting with his father King Suddhodana, the ordination of his son Rahula, and Mahaprajapati Gautami offering him a robe.
How long should I spend at Kudan?
Thirty to 45 minutes is enough for most visitors to walk around the stupas and the pond. Pilgrims who wish to chant or meditate may want an hour. It fits easily into a day trip from Lumbini with Tilaurakot, Gotihawa and Niglihawa.
Is there an entry fee at Kudan?
Kudan has generally been free or very low cost to visit, with a caretaker on site rather than a full ticket office. Arrangements at the Kapilvastu sites are managed by the Lumbini Development Trust and Department of Archaeology and can change, so check current status before you travel.
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