Spiritual Presence of the Thai Royal Family in Lumbini: A Message of Peace, Compassion, and Amity

Kathmandu — Sineenat Bilaskalyani, a member of the Thai royal family, has visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where she performed special prayers and meditation. Expressing deep reverence for Buddhism, she arrived in Lumbini for a two-day visit via an overland route from India. She actively participated in a special religious program organized by the Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini.

On Friday morning, Sineenat Bilaskalyani offered prayers in accordance with religious rituals at the Mayadevi Temple, regarded as the central and most sacred site of Lumbini. She then circumambulated the historic Pushkarini Pond located to the south of the temple and recited Paritrana prayers for about half an hour, wishing for world peace, harmony, compassion, and amity. The religious rites were conducted by Phra Thamm Bodhiwong, the Thai ecclesiastical envoy to India and Nepal.

Following the prayers, she paid homage at the historic Ashokan Pillar within the Mayadevi Temple complex. During her visit, she also interacted with monks and nuns from various countries, engaging in dialogue on Buddhism, peace, and shared human values. She spent nearly two hours within the temple premises, dedicating time to meditation, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

The Thai royal family’s reverence for Lumbini is not new. Since the visit of Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to Lumbini eight years ago, the number of Thai tourists visiting the sacred site has steadily increased. With this visit by Sineenat Bilaskalyani, the total number of visits to Lumbini by members of the Thai royal family has reached four.

Prior to arriving in Lumbini, she had visited and offered prayers at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar—sites revered by Buddhists as the four sacred pilgrimage destinations. Leading a 70-member delegation, she had arrived in India by chartered aircraft on January 21. After completing the religious program in Lumbini, she departed for Bangkok on Friday aboard a Thai Air Force Boeing 737 chartered aircraft.

Sineenat Bilaskalyani, the wife of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has been conferred the title of “Royal Noble Consort,” designating her as a highly distinguished member of the royal family. She has also been awarded the title of “Chao Khun Phra,” an honor traditionally bestowed upon monks and nuns in the Buddhist tradition. Her spiritual journey to Lumbini is viewed not only as an expression of personal devotion but also as a symbol of the Thai royal family’s commitment to the shared values of world peace and humanity.