Some experts believe this lotus pond in front of the main stupa at Kudan was created in anticipation of Buddha’s arrival here.

Kudan: The ancient site of Nyigrodharama

A series of stupas at Kudan honour moments of Buddha’s life that happened here, including the meeting with his father, King Suddhodhana, seven years after his enlightenment.

The main stupa at Kudan is believed to have been built during the Sakya period to commemorate Buddha’s meeting with his father. – © Michael Turtle

The Rahula Stupa at Kudan is believed to commemorate the event and the spot where Rahula, Buddha’s son, was accepted into the monastic order. – © Michael Turtle

The stone pillar erected by Emperor Asoka at Niglihawa is now in two pieces but the inscription marking his visit is still clearly visible. – © Michael Turtle

The pillar at Niglihawa was erected in 249 BC by Emperor Asoka to mark his visit here. The text is in Brahmi script and Pali language. – © Michael Turtle

The main stupa at Kudan is believed to have been built during the Sakya period to commemorate Buddha’s meeting with his father. – © Michael Turtle

The ancient site of Nyigrodharama, now known as Kudan, is another important historical site in the story of Buddha. It is about 6 kilometres (3.5 miles) from his childhood home at Tilaurakot.

Kudan is believed to be the place where Buddha first met with his father, King Suddhodhana, after he achieved enlightenment. It became a key location in the spread of Buddha’s message as family members welcomed his mission, including his son Rahula, who was ordained here at the age of 8.

When you visit today, walking in the footsteps of Buddha, you’ll see a series of impressive stupas. It’s believed each of them was built to commemorate important events here, including where Rahula was ordained, and the meeting of Buddha and King Suddhodhana. It’s thought that the pond was built ahead of Buddha’s arrival for that meeting.

The Rahula Stupa has an octagonal Shiva temple on top of it that was built much later by Hindus. – © Michael Turtle

There are several other sites in the area that have important historical significance and they can all easily be visited on the same trip.

There is Gotihawa, which is considered to be the place where Krakuchhanda Buddha was born and attained enlightenment. Nearby is Niglihawa, which is thought to be the birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha. More excavation work is planned at the sites but you can see pillars erected in 249 BC by Emperor Asoka at both sites.

Other sites that have been identified as significant but only have limited things to see these days are Araurakot, Sagarahawa, and Sisaniya. It’s quite remarkable to think about the events that were happening here in this region more than 2000 years ago and the effects of them that are still felt today.

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