Kapilavastu facts for kids

Kapilavastu (also called Kapilavatthu) is a very important place in the history of Buddhism. It was the city where Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism, grew up. His family home was located there, and he spent the first 29 years of his life in this area.

Kapilavastu: Where Buddha Grew Up

Kapilavastu was the capital city of the ancient Shakya kingdom. This kingdom was located in what is now part of Nepal. It is a special place because it is where Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, spent his early life.

A Special Place in History

Kapilavastu is known as the home of the Buddha before he began his spiritual journey. It is a holy site for Buddhists around the world. The city was a center of the Shakya people, an ancient group in the region.

Finding Kapilavastu

The exact location of ancient Kapilavastu is not fully known today. Historians and archaeologists believe it was about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) west of Lumbini. Lumbini is another very important place, as it is where Buddha was born.

There are two main sites that people believe might be the true Kapilavastu. One is Tilaurakot in Nepal, and the other is Piprahwa in India. Both sites have ancient ruins that match descriptions of Kapilavastu. Researchers continue to study these places to find the exact spot.

The Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama

Before he became the Buddha, he was known as Prince Siddhartha Gautama. He lived a sheltered life in Kapilavastu, surrounded by luxury. During his 29 years there, he learned about his kingdom and prepared to be a ruler. However, he eventually left Kapilavastu to seek a deeper understanding of life and suffering. This journey led him to become the enlightened one, the Buddha.