Lumbini Temple
History of Lumbini Temple
Lumbini, located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, is renowned as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. According to historical tradition and archaeological findings, Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha in the sacred Lumbini Garden around 623 BCE, while on her journey to her parental home in Devdaha. This event underlies Lumbini's revered status as one of Buddhism's four holiest sites. Emperor Ashoka of India visited Lumbini in the 3rd century BCE and erected the famous Ashoka Pillar, which bears an inscription confirming Lumbini as Buddha's birthplace. Over centuries, Lumbini was a vibrant pilgrimage destination, visited by monarchs, monks, and countless devotees from across Asia. However, following invasions and changes in rulership during the medieval period, the significance of Lumbini was nearly lost until its rediscovery in 1896 by General Khadga Shamsher Rana and Dr. Alois Führer. Today, the site includes ancient ruins, the sacred Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Lumbini remains a powerful symbol of peace and an enduring center for Buddhist pilgrimage and study.
Maya Devi Temple - Lumbini
The Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal marks the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Built around 249 BCE by Emperor Ashoka, it houses sacred archaeological remains, including the marker stone and nativity sculpture. Excavations revealed earlier timber shrines dating to the 6th century BCE.The Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Nepal is the sacred site where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It features ancient ruins, a marker stone denoting Buddha's birthplace, and was built around 249 BCE by Emperor Ashoka. Excavations show older structures dating back to 6th century BCE.
Great Drigung Lotus Stupa
The Great Drigung Lotus Stupa in Lumbini, Nepal is a prominent Buddhist monument built by the German Tara Foundation and completed in 2004. It stands in the Monastic Zone and is dedicated to world peace, featuring a hollow crown covered partly in glass, revealing a Buddha statue inside. The stupa is renowned for its beautiful murals, gold and woodwork, and serves as a center for pilgrimage and annual prayer gatherings for peace.
Myanmar Golden Temple
The Myanmar Golden Temple in Lumbini is the oldest structure in the city, built in traditional Burmese architectural style dedicated to Lord Buddha. It features a distinctive corncob-shaped shikhara tower inspired by the temples of Bagan, Myanmar, giving it a regal appearance. The temple includes three prayer halls and the Lokamani Pula Pagoda, a large gilded stupa modeled after Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda. This temple is an important part of Lumbini's monastic zone, representing Myanmar's Buddhist heritage and attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
World Peace Pagoda (Japan Peace Stupa)
The World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Japan Peace Stupa, is a Buddhist monument in Lumbini, Nepal, built by Japanese Buddhists and dedicated in 2001. It symbolizes world peace and non-violence, featuring a gleaming white dome with golden Buddha statues facing the four cardinal directions. The pagoda serves as the starting point on the central axis of the Lumbini Master Plan, about 3.2 km from the Maya Devi Temple. It offers a tranquil environment for meditation and contemplation, drawing pilgrims and visitors worldwide. The Peace Pagoda embodies Buddhist values of harmony and compassion, promoting peace globally.
Visitors Image Gallery
