Archaeologists in Nepal have unearthed a rare apsidal temple at Tilaurakot, the ancient citadel long believed to be the childhood home of Siddhartha Gautam before he became the Buddha.
Tilaurakot, situated near Lumbini — the recognised birthplace of the Buddha — has often been overshadowed by its more famous neighbour. Yet this latest discovery could elevate its status as a site of profound religious and historical importance.
The temple, distinguished by its semicircular rear wall, is thought to date from between the third and fifth centuries AD. Researchers say it is the first of its kind identified in Nepal, offering fresh evidence that Tilaurakot was not only a political centre of the Sakya kingdom but also a thriving hub of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage.
Robin Coningham, professor at Durham University and co-director of the excavations, explained that the structure was found within a monastery courtyard built over the remains of a palatial complex. Its presence, he noted, strengthens the case that Tilaurakot held far greater spiritual significance than previously assumed.
For centuries, Buddhist pilgrims have flocked to Lumbini, while Tilaurakot has remained relatively quiet. This discovery may now shift attention, drawing more visitors to the site where the young prince Siddhartha is believed to have spent his formative years before renouncing royal life in search of enlightenment.
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