Anupiya Mango Grove east of Kapilavatthu was the place where Lord Buddha ordained himself. Prince Shiharta Gautama after encountered the 4 sights of birth, aging, sick, and dying, realized the triviality of worldly life and left home. He went eastwards passing through lands of three kingdoms (Sakiyans, Koiyans and Mallas). After he crossed over Anoma River and arrived Anupiya Mango Grove, he cut off his hair and beard, sent his charioteer Channa and horse Kanthaka back to his father, but his horse was reluctant to leave him and died. He was then 29 years old
Buddha stayed in Anupiya Mango Grove for 7 days. The people of Malla-rajas built a vihara for his residence.
Six of Sakya princes including their barber Upali, were later ordained at the same site by Buddha after his enlightenment.
Remains of Stupa Kesariya at Anupiya Mango Grove. It is so sad to see that almost all heads of Buddhist statue were chopped off.
It was believed that the architectural design of Borobudur, the 9th century built world largest Buddhist Temple in Central Java of Indonesia, had some influences from this Stupa.
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