CONCEPT OF MASTER PLAN
The
master plan covers an area of 1*3 sq. miles, comprising three zones of a
square mile each. The three zones are linked with walkways and a canal,
these are:
- Sacred Garden
- Monastic zone
- New Lumbini villag
The
focus of Tange's design is the sacred Garden located in the southern
part. The ultimate objective of the design here is to create an
atmosphere of spirituality, peace, universal brotherhood and nonviolence
consistent with the time and Buddha's message to the world. The Sacred
Garden shelters the ancient monuments at the center in a freshly
restored atmosphere of serene and lush forest and water body surrounding
the complex.
The
Monastic Zone is situated in the middle with a forest area between the
Sacred Garden and the New Lumbini Village . The zone is divided into two
Monastic enclaves by a Centre Canal . There are 13 plots of land in the
East Monastic Zone and 29 in the West Monastic Enclave, having 42 plots
in total each allotted for the construction of new monasteries of
Theravada and Mahayana schools of Buddhism.
The
cultural center lies between the Monastic Zone and the New Lumbini
Village . A research centre, a library, an auditorium and a museum
provide information to the visitors and research and study facilities to
the students and researchers.
The
northern part of the master plan area is being developed as the New
Lumbini Village. It is also a gateway to the outer world, where the
visitors can find comfortable hotels and restaurants offering necessary
facilities. The World Peace Pagoda of Japan and the Crane Sanctuary are
located here.
Lumbini,
apart from its spiritual and religious significance, also fascinates a
large number of naturalists, botanists and zoologists. Visitors can see a
wide variety of sub-tropical shrubs, herbs, flowers and plants, which
serve as a habitat for hundreds of birds and animal species. The habitat
area of the Lumbini Master Plan consists of 58 percent grassland, 40
percent secondary forest and 2 percent wetland that includes rivers and
ponds. Lumbini harbors indigenous plant species as well as plants
associated with the Buddha's life: mango, jackfruit, Bodhi tree, bamboo,
Arjuna, Ashoka and Zyzyphus berry. The Telar River , in which the
infant
Buddha
was bathed, is an important natural environment in atural
Bio-conserving the ecosystem of the area. The Lumbini habitat harbors
more than 250 species of birds. The Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Indian
Spotted Eagle, Lesser Adjutant Stork, White Necked Stork, Black Stork,
Purple Heron,Lesser Whistling Teal, Cormorants and different species of
Egrets are found here.
The
area also harbors endangered animals and reptiles such as the Blue
Bull, python and Monitor Lizard and unique mammal families like the
Bengal Fox, Asiatic Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat and Grey Mongoose, among
others. In 1997, surveys of the wetlands and the renovated pond
commenced to see how they could be recharged during and after the
monsoon. Wetland "A" has a 130 m long dyke while Wetland "B" has a 105 m
dyke. The pond has witnessed the return of many bird species. Aquatic
vegetation includes the typha, hydrilla, pondweed and eleochris. 
Nepalese
and international Monasteries/ Vihars representing vernacular
architecture and culture of different Buddhist countries and Buddhist
traditions fascinate the visitors to Lumbini. The Royal Thai Monastery
(Thailand) , Monastery of Mahabodhi Society of Kolkatta, Myanmar
Monastery (Myanmar), International Nuns' Temple (Nepal), Dhamma Janani
Meditation Center (Nepal), Sri Lankan Monastery(Sri Lanka), Cambodian
Monastery (Cambodia) are worth visiting monasteries in the east monastic
zone. 
The
Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation, Germany), Drigung Kagyud Meditation
Centre (India), Sokyo Temple (Japan), Linhson Monastery (France),
Chinese Monastery (China), Korean Mahabodhi Society Monastery (South
Korea), Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam), Geden International (Austria),
Manang Monastery (Nepal), Dharmodaya Sabha Monastery (Nepal),
Panditarama Meditation Center (Myanmar) in the West Monastic Zone
attract a large number of pilgrims and visitors in Lumbini. Lumbini
Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, World Peace Pagoda
(Japan), Eternal Peace Flame, Peace Bell, and Crane Sanctuary add to the
beauty and serenity of Lumbini. 
In
1978, the Master Plan designed by Prof. Tange was finalized and
approved by the Government of Nepal and United Nations. In the meantime,
Government of Nepal was directly involved in the planning and
development of Lumbini through formation of Lumbini Development
Committee. The committee acquired necessary land, relocated the villages
and commenced the development of basic infrastructures including
forestation program in the planned area. The master plan thus changed
the face of Lumbini. In 1985, the Lumbini Development Trust Act came
into existence and Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) was formed
accordingly. Now the Trust is responsible for the implementation of the
master plan and for the overall development of Lumbini, and other
Buddhist sites of Kapilavastu, Devadaha and Ramagrama.
The
historical pillar was erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC bears the
first epigraphic evidence with reference to the birthplace of Lord
Buddha. It is the most noteworthy monument and an authentic historic
document of birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini. The inscription
engraved by Emperor Asoka is still intact and testifies the authenticity
of the birthplace. The text written in Brahmi script and Pali language
is translated as follows: "King Piyadasi (Asoka), the beloved
of the Gods, in the twentieth year of reign, himself made a royal visit.
Sakyamuni Buddha was born here, therefore, the (birth Spot) marker
stone was worshipped and a stone pillar was erected. The lord having
been born here, the tax of the Lumbini village was reduced to the eighth
part (only)".