Restoring the Abandoned Shrine

Just 400 meters from the sacred Ramagrama Stupa—the only stupa enshrining the relics of the Lord Buddha that remains unopened and untouched, venerated by wild elephants and protected by the Nāgas [according to the “The Great Tang Records” by Ven. Xuanzang from the 6th century]—there lies an abandoned shrine, long forgotten by time.

Today, by the grace of the Dharma, we were joined by Professor Basanta, former Chief Archaeologist of the Lumbini Development Trust, to seek guidance. The villagers whispered of a great and gentle snake dwelling in the tree above the shrine—perhaps a living manifestation of the Nāga-devas still watching over this hallowed ground.

Tomorrow, we shall commence the sādhana of śuddhi—the sacred act of cleansing and restoration. With humility and devotion, we aspire to reawaken this sacred space, so that once again offerings may be made and pujā performed in honor of the Nāgas, ancient guardians of the Buddha’s relics and protectors of the Dharma.

May our work be guided by Bodhicitta, and may the merit generated here ripple across the ten directions for the benefit of all sentient beings.