about the city

Today's Piprahwa 22 km from Siddharthnagar is identified with ancient Kapilvastu where Lord Buddha spent the early years of his life. Kapilvastu was the capital of the Shakya clan whose ruler was the father of Lord Buddha, and therefore Lord Buddha is also called as Shakyamuni. The Sakya domain was one of the sixteen independent principalities of the 6th century BC.

Prince Gautam, as the Buddha was then known, left his palace in Kapilvastu at the age of 29, and revisited in 12 years later, after attaining enlightenment.

Today, Kapilvastu Comprises of Several villages, mainly piprahwa and Ganvaria. A large Stupa stands at the ancient site which is said to have housed the bone relics of Lord Buddha. The presence of these relics is testified by an ancient Brahmi inscription found at Piprahwa. The ruins of the royal palace are spread over a large area.

  • Area: 06 sq. km.
  • Population: 6000 (2001 census)
  • Altitude:100 mtrs. above sea level
  • Season: October-April
  • Clothing: Summer - Cottons, Winter - Woolens
  • Language: Hindi, English
  • Local Transport: Tempo/Tonga/Rickshaw
  • STD Code:05544
  • Festival: Budha Poornima (April-May)

Important Address

  • District Magistrate, Siddharth Nagar. Ph : 05544- 222169 (O), 222333 (R), Fax.: 220174

Places of Interest