Clues on Buddha’s birth in oldest shrine

Archaeologists uncovered a Buddhist shrine in Nepal that could provide clues to the birth of the Buddha. The remains of the shrine, dating back to the sixth century B.C., were found under a temple built in the third century B.C. at Lumbini, said to be the Buddha’s birthplace. CNN reports there is evidence to suggest a tree grew at the center of the structure, supporting the traditional story that the Buddha’s mother held onto a tree branch while giving birth. Robin Coningham, lead author of the study published in the journal Antiquity, said, “This is one of those rare occasions when belief, tradition, archaeology and science actually come together.”

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