Welcome, peace-loving people from all around the world—Mothers, Queens, Princesses, Presidents, Chairpersons, and all women entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference. From the sacred birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, I extend my heartfelt invitation to you to participate in a historic event: the world’s first women’s empowerment marathon, the only marathon run dedicated to Queen Mother Maya Devi.
Queen Mother Maya Devi, the revered mother of Lord Buddha, holds a special place in history. Her son, born into royal luxury as the crowned prince of the Shakya Kingdom, renounced his opulence in search of truth—a truth that would liberate humanity from suffering. In today’s fast-paced, material-driven world, where nations race to boost their GDP and economic power, the story of a prince who sacrificed everything for enlightenment stands as a profound reminder of what truly matters. And this remarkable story began here, in Nepal, amidst the majestic Himalayas, near Mount Everest, in the ancient land of Lumbini and Kapilvastu.
I invite you to be part of this extraordinary spiritual sports event dedicated to Mother Maya Devi. The marathon offers multiple categories: a full Olympic-standard marathon of 42.195 km, a half-marathon of 21 km, and a special 777m 7cm run for our elderly participants. These numbers are deeply significant in Buddhist philosophy:
- The first '7' represents the seven steps taken by Siddhartha Gautam Buddha upon his birth, each landing on a lotus.
- The second '7' marks the seventh day after his birth, when his mother passed away.
- The third '7' symbolizes the seven years of his spiritual quest, meditating and enduring extreme hardship before attaining enlightenment.
- The final '7' signifies the seven days his body was honored before the rulers of the time decided how to commemorate his passing into Nirvana.
These sacred numbers reflect the essence of Buddha’s journey—a journey of sacrifice, wisdom, and peace. This marathon is not just a race; it is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and spirit of women and a celebration of empowerment, unity, and mindfulness. It is designed for everyone—elite athletes, casual runners, and even our respected elders.
I warmly welcome you to Lumbini-Kapilvastu, the home of Lord Buddha, the land of the Shakyas, and the heart of spiritual awakening. Join us in making history. See you at the starting line!
Thank you.