Kathmandu: Sineenatha Bilasakalyani, a member of the Thai royal family and consort of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, paid a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where she offered prayers and worship.
Arriving in Lumbini via overland travel from India for a two-day visit, she was formally welcomed by officials of the Lumbini Development Trust, led by Member Secretary Deepak Shrestha. Other officials and staff members were also present during the reception.
On January 30, Sineenatha Bilasakalyani participated in a special religious program organized by the Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini. She offered prayers at the Maya Devi Temple, circumambulated the historic Puskarini Pond, and recited protective Buddhist chants for about half an hour, praying for world peace, harmony, and compassion. The religious rites were conducted by Phra Phrom Vajirabodhivong, the Thai ecclesiastical envoy to India and Nepal.
She also offered prayers at the Asoka Pillar inside the Maya Devi Temple complex and interacted with monks and nuns from various countries. She spent nearly two hours in meditation and prayer within the temple area.
At the conclusion of the program, Member Secretary Deepak Shrestha presented her with a token of love on behalf of the Lumbini Development Trust.
Sineenatha Bilasakalyani has been conferred the title of “Royal Noble Consort” by the Thai King and is also honored with the title of Chao Khun Phra. Her visit marks the fourth visit to Lumbini by members of the Thai royal family. Following the visit of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn eight years ago, the number of Thai tourists visiting Lumbini has gradually increased.
Prior to arriving in Lumbini, she offered prayers at Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. Leading a 70-member delegation, she arrived in India on January 21 by chartered aircraft. After completing her visit to Lumbini, she departed for Bangkok on January 30 aboard a Thai Air Force chartered Boeing 737 aircraft.
