The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
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Lumbini
Located 22km west of Siddharthanagar (Bhairawa), Lumbini was the birthplace of one of history’s most revered figures, Siddhartha Gautama – better known as the historical Buddha – in the 7th century BC. During the years following the Buddha's lifetime, this was a teeming monastic complex and a major place of pilgrimage, but the site was lost to history until the discovery in 1896 of an inscribed pillar left behind by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka, amidst a sea of monastery ruins.
History moves in cycles – over the last few decades, a new complex of stupas, monasteries and temples built by Buddhist nations from across the globe has risen from the marshland surrounding the modest-looking but hugely significant Maya Devi Temple, located on the exact spot where Buddha was born.
For now, Lumbini sees more pilgrims than sightseers, and a contemplative mood prevails, but the opening of a new international airport at Siddharthanagar (slated for completion in 2018) is set to raise the profile of Lumbini and other sites linked to the life of the Buddha, including nearby Tilaurakot, where Prince Siddhartha lived a live of luxury before embarking on the path to enlightenment.
Explore Lumbini
- Maya Devi Temple
The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
- World Peace Pagoda
Located outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas,…
- Cambodian Monastery
With strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…
- Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
- Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
- Myanmar Golden Temple
The Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…
- Korean Buddhist Temple
At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
- NNepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
- GGreat Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Lumbini.
See
Maya Devi Temple
The spiritual heart of Lumbini, Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. In the adjoining…
See
World Peace Pagoda
Located outside the main compound, but easily accessible by bike, the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas,…
See
Cambodian Monastery
With strong touches of Angkor Wat, this colourful fantasy due for completion in 2018 is already one of the most fascinating temples in Lumbini. The temple…
See
Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
Close to the north end of the pond, this stunning and imposing wat (Thai-style monastery) is built from gleaming white marble. The blue-roofed meditation…
See
Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery
This elegant monastery is one of the most impressive structures at Lumbini. Reached through a gateway flanked by dogs of Fo, the elegant pagoda-style…
See
Myanmar Golden Temple
The Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures in the compound. There are three prayer halls – the most impressive is topped by a corncob…
See
Korean Buddhist Temple
At the time of research, the government of South Korea was finishing up this massive temple. The interior is magnificent; you might find workers still…
See
Nepal Vajrayana Mahavihara Temple
This beautiful Newari temple with central courtyard was nearing completion at time of research.
See
Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
This truly extravagant stupa, constructed by the German Tara Foundation, contains a hollow crown partly covered in glass, revealing a small Buddha within…
Guidebooks
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