Kapilvastu Municipality facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kapilvastu
कपिलवस्तु नगरपालिका
Taulihawa
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Entrance gate to Taulihawa, Kapilvastu District, Nepal
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 Kapilvastu
Location in Lumbini Province
Kapilvastu
Location in Nepal
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| Country |  Nepal |
| Province | Lumbini Province |
| District | Kapilvastu District |
| Wards | 12 |
| Established | 1982 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 136.9 km2 (52.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 107 m (351 ft) |
| Population
(2011 A.D)
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| • Total | 76,394 |
| • Density | 558.03/km2 (1,445.3/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (NST) |
| Postal code |
32800
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| Area code(s) | 076 |
Kapilvastu, also called Taulihawa, is a city in southern Nepal. It is the main administrative center of the Kapilvastu District. This city is part of the Lumbini Province.
Kapilvastu is very important because it is close to Lumbini. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Kapilvastu is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Lumbini.
The city of Kapilvastu was first created in 1982. It was formed by combining several smaller villages. Over time, more areas were added to it. Today, Kapilvastu Municipality covers an area of about 137 square kilometers (53 square miles). It has a population of 76,394 people. The city is divided into 12 smaller sections called wards. Kapilvastu is located about 107 meters (351 feet) above sea level.
History of Kapilvastu
Kapilvastu was once an ancient and important city. It was the capital of the Shakya kingdom. Many historians believe that the archaeological site of Tilaurakot in modern Kapilvastu might be this ancient city. However, some also think that Piprahwa in India could be the original site.
Ancient Chinese Buddhist monks like Faxian and Xuanzang visited this area long ago. They wrote about their journeys. Their writings helped people in the 19th century search for the historical city of Kapilvastu.
It is believed that King Śuddhodana and Queen Māyā lived in ancient Kapilvastu. Their son, Prince Siddartha Gautama, also lived there. He stayed in the palace until he was 29 years old. At that age, he left the palace to seek enlightenment. He later became known as the Gautama Buddha.
Important Historical Sites
Kapilvastu and its nearby areas have many interesting historical places. These sites are important for understanding the region's past, especially its connection to Buddhism.
Here are some of the historical sites you can find:
- Amaulikot
- Arourakot Darbar
- Bardahawa
- Bargadawa Stupa
- Bikulikot
- Derwa Stupa
- Dohanikot
- Gotihawa: This is believed to be the birthplace of Kakusandha Buddha. There is an Ashoka pillar here.
- Jagdishpur Reservoir
- Kanthak Stupa
- Kapilvastu Museum
- Kopawa Stupa
- Nigrodharama: These are the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery. It is believed that Gautama Buddha stayed here when he visited Kapilvastu.
- Lohasariya Stupa
- Lumbini: This is the famous birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
- Nigali Sagar: An archaeological site in Nigalihawa. It is believed to be the birthplace of Koṇāgamana Buddha. An Ashoka pillar marks this spot.
- Paltimai Temple
- Pipara Stupa
- Pipari
- Piprahwa: A village and archaeological site in India. Some believe it might be a burial site for some of Gautama Buddha's ashes.
- Premnagar Stupa
- Ramagrama stupa: This stupa is believed to be the only one that still holds original relics of Buddha.
- Rampur Siddhipur Stupa
- Sagarahawa Reservoir
- Sarkup Pokhari
- Semara Shiv Mandir
- Sihokhor Stupa
- Siseniya Stupa
- Tauleshwor Nath Mandir (Shree Tauleshwor Nath Mandir): A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Many Hindus visit here, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
- Tilaurakot
- Twin Stupa
