Kapilavastu, Nepal - Eastern Gateway

From the archive record

According to Buddhist tradition, Kapilavastu is the name of the ancient city where Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, was raised and lived until the age of 29, when he renounced worldly life. The Eastern Gateway also known as "Mahabhinishkramana Dwara" is the gate from which Lord Buddha left his wordly life. This gate complex consists of a 19 ft. wide road way flanked on either sides by bastions. Objects found in the excavation include terracotta human and animal figurines, coins, beads, bangles, a seal with a brahmi inscription, a sealing, as well sherds of painted grey and northern black polished wares. Siddhartha Gautama lived in Kapilavastu until he abandoned his home and began to live as a homeless ascetic. At some point after he achieved enlightenment, the Buddha returned