In 623 BC, Buddha Shakyamuni was born in the famous Lumbini Garden, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his own monumental pillars here. The site is being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage center, with archaeological remains related to the birth of Buddha becoming a major feature of the center.
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Lumbini and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple sits in the middle of a park known as the Lumbini Development Area, and its continuous development makes it a must-visit attraction.
Mayadvi Temple is adjacent to a holy pond called Pushkarini and a sacred garden. The temple is where Mayadvi gave birth to the high monk Buddha, and archaeological remains here date back to the time of Ashoka, around the 3rd century BC. The Buddha of Chowdam is said to have been born in 563 BC. The temple was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in 1978 and works are still underway, including a landscape lake and multiple temples built by different architects around the world.
Bodhi Tree
The linden tree of Lumbini is located in the Maya Devi Temple complex, adjacent to the tranquil Maya Devi Poolside Sanctuary. Buddhist monks often sit under trees to meditate and chant. The tree is an ancient linden or banyan tree covered with colorful prayer flags, and locals believe that wishes made when tying colorful prayer flags tend to come true.
The meaning of this tree lies in the Bodh Gaya Bodhi tree, where the Buddha realized the path and was freed from delusions, anger and self-indulgence. The Buddha's entire life journey is often associated with this tree—from his abdication to asceticism, enlightenment, imparting his observations until his death. Therefore, the Bodhi tree is considered extremely important in Buddhism
shoka Pillar
The Ashoka Pillars of Lumbini are one of those built during the reign of Ashoka in the 3rd century. After visiting the birthplace of Buddha and deciding to embrace Buddhism, Ashoka erected this stone pillar as a sign of respect. These facts make the stone pillars an important attraction in the country. It bears the oldest inscription compared to other Ashoka pillars, thus marking it as the earliest construction of this type ever built. Located within the tranquil Mayadvi Temple complex, the pillar is popular with visitors for its interesting and moving history. Nepalese archaeologists rediscovered the 6-meter-tall pink sandstone structure in 1896.
Lumbini Museum
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanctuary, the Lumbini Museum displays around 12,000 artifacts, including religious manuscripts, metal sculptures, pottery, Maori and Husana-dynasty coins and stamps depicting Lumbini from around the world. Located opposite the Lumbini Museum, the Lumbini International Institute (LIRI) provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Built in the 70s of the 20th century, the museum was redesigned by architect Kris Yao and his team from Taiwan.
World Peace Pagoda Lumbini
The Japan Peace Tower, also known as the World Peace Tower, is an early 21st century monument that is a symbol of peace and a famous tourist attraction in Lumbini. Located outside the main complex, it is a splendid stupa with traditional stupa architectural style. Built by Japanese Buddhists at a cost of $1 million, the pagoda is white with a golden Buddha statue.
The majestic building has a dome at its center, which is reached by ascending one of the two flights of stairs leading to the dome. The second level is a corridor that surrounds the dome. Symbols of Peace "are open all day a week for people to visit, explore, learn, and inspire people to walk the path of nonviolence and live the united lives that are necessary in today's world."
China Temple
Zhonghua Temple, commonly known as Zhonghua Temple, is an elegant Buddhist monastery in Lumbini. This impressive building is built in the pagoda style and resembles the famous Forbidden City of China. Entering the temple, the manicured inner courtyard fills the heart with tranquility and joy.
Royal Thai Buddhist Monastery
The Royal Thai Temple in Lumbini is a magnificent tile (Thai temple style) temple dedicated to Buddhist practice. The resplendent building is made of white marble, and the nearby blue-roofed meditation center is a fine example of fine architecture. The elaborate design and carvings on the temple walls make this a must-visit.
Myanmar Golden Temple
The Burmese Golden Temple in Lumbini is the oldest building in the city. The temple is built in the Burmese style and is dedicated to Buddha. The Shikhara, built in the shape of a corn cob, modeled after the Bagan temple style, impresses and gives the whole building a more majestic look. Inside the temple there are three prayer halls and a Logamani Plata.
Great Drigung Lotus Stupa
The Great Rigon Lotus Pagoda is one of the most important religious towers in Lumbini and was built by the German Tara Foundation. The building has a hollow crown, partially covered with glass, revealing the Buddha image inside. The historical significance of this building dates back centuries when it was built under Rinpoche's supervision and guidance. When in Lumbini, this stupa is definitely worth a visit