Dharan Residents visit birthplace of Buddha

Gurkha veterans and widows from our Dharan Residential Home just returned from a highly anticipated trip to Lumbini, located in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. As the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini is renowned as a pilgrimage site and one of the holiest places of Buddhism.

The legend goes that in 623 B.C., Queen Mayadevi of the Shakya clan gave birth to her son under a sal tree in Lumbini garden. Once they returned to the palace, the baby was presented to an astrologer who predicted that he would one day become a great king or a great religious teacher, and he was given the name Siddhartha Gautama. At the age of 35, Prince Siddhartha would achieve spiritual liberation, defeating the forces of the demon Mara, and becoming the Lord Buddha (“enlightened one”).

Given the historical and religious significance of Lumbini, it was a great privilege for pensioners from our Dharan Residential Home to visit this sacred site. They explored the central temple and garden, monasteries, and peaceful natural areas.

“To fulfil the wishes and dreams of our residents is our first priority. We were pleased to see their smiles and happy faces,” said one of our Dharan Residential Home staff members, Dev Bhakta Thapa.

Our teams organise trips like these to help our Gurkha veterans and widows live an enriched and dignified life as they grow older, and it’s all possible thanks to your support.