Centre for excellence in Buddhist Origins

Developed as part of Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s broader mission to promote the state's rich heritage, this project is designed to foster intellectual discourse and cultural interaction of the faith holders, taking them on a journey through learning, reflection, and communal exchange.

As the homeland of Prince Siddhartha, who later became Gautama Buddha, Kapilvastu is where he spent his formative years before embarking on his transformative journey towards enlightenment. This sacred site, once a thriving center of philosophical thought, is now being revived to become a global hub for Buddhist studies, cultural exchange, and pilgrimage. The master plan establishes a spiritual and intellectual axis that integrating with the existing Kapilvastu gardens, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

The spatial arrangement follows the concept of sacred mandalas, leading pilgrims through progressive layers of experience, from public to private, from knowledge to contemplation, from discourse to enlightenment. By integrating education, tourism, and community development, the Centre for Excellence in Buddhist Origins is not just an homage to Buddhist history, it is a space for contemporary Buddhist thought and practice.

Key Architectural & Cultural Elements:

• The Grand Chaitya & Stupa: The stupa is a timeless architectural form that embodies the presence of the Buddha's teachings and offers a spiritual anchor for the entire site, with prince Siddhartha on one side and the enlightened Buddha on the other. The Stupa marks Kapilvastu's bridging of the prince transforming into the enlightened one.
• Sky theatre and Debate Hall: Inspired by Buddhist sacred numbers, the Chaitya is designed with an outer diameter of 108m and an inner diameter of 81m. These numbers hold deep significance in Dharmic traditions with 108 representing the wholeness of existence, encompassing the 108 earthly desires, 108 human delusions, and 108 paths to enlightenment in Buddhism. The number 81, derived from 9×9, represents perfection and spiritual transcendence, forming the foundation of the ninth and final consciousness, the Buddha-nature. The dome-shaped auditorium is designed to host Buddhist storytelling, interactive lectures, and international conferences on Buddhist thought and contemporary relevance. The circular layout of the theatre also echoes the infinite cycle of birth, death, and rebirth central to Buddhist cosmology.
• Viharas & Monasteries: Dedicated to various Buddhist nations, these spaces serve as cultural embassies, offering accommodation, meditation halls, and spaces for interfaith dialogue. Pilgrims and scholars from around the world can gather, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of Buddhism.
• Sacred Lily Ponds & Herb Gardens: The Buddhist stupa is encircled by four tranquil lily ponds, representing the four noble truths. These water bodies create a serene environment for meditation and reflection, reinforcing the harmony between nature and spirituality. Additionally, a dedicated herb garden cultivates medicinal plants referenced in Buddhist healing practices.
• Tapovan & Meditative Greens: A spiritual sanctuary that encourages mindfulness, meditation, and inner peace, fostering a deeper connection to Buddhist teachings. This sacred grove, designed for introspection, resonates with the Buddhist principle of simplicity and self-discovery.