Lumbini (Rupandehi), 10 Dec 2014: Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae, planted a sapling of Bodhi tree in the premises of the Mayadevi Temple in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, this morning on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Although the Indian PM had been scheduled to visit Lumbini and plant the sapling during his visit to attend the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, his Lumbini visit was cancelled due to his busy schedule.
The sapling was brought from Bodhgaya, the holy place where Buddha had achieved enlightenment. It has been planted in the west side of the temple.
The Indian PM assigned the Indian Ambassador to Nepal to plant the sapling on his behalf, according to Lumbini Development Trust information officer Haridhwaj Rai.
The Trust is authorized to take care of the newly planted Bodhi tree,
Locally known as peepal, the Bodhi tree is a very old sacred tree under which Lord Gautam Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment.
Source:RSS
