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 sacred garden you’ll find the pillar of Ashoka, ancient ruins of stupas, and maroon- and saffron-robed monks congregating under a sprawling Bodhi (pipal) tree decorated with prayer flags. Buy your entrance ticket 50m north of the gate to the Sacred Garden, and remove your shoes at the gate.
Excavations carried out in 1992 revealed a succession of ruins dating back at least 2200 years, including a commemorative stone on a brick plinth, matching the description of a stone laid down by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. There are plans to raise a grand monument on the site, but for now a sturdy brick pavilion protects the temple ruins.
Lumbini Monastic
Buddhist scriptures have their origin in the oral teachings and instructions of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha, therefore, they breath his spirit in essence. It is believed that he used Magadhi language in his preaching which were recorded in the palm leaf in Pali language later. Many inscriptions on the Buddhist shrines are also written in Pali language. It is believed that during the first Buddhist Council in Rajgri, two disciples of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha recited these teachings out of their memory; Upali recalled the entire Vinaya- pitaka and Ananda the Sutta-pitaka.
The Buddhist scriptures are broadly divided into Theravada and Mahayana canons. The Buddhist scriptures of Theravada school has categorized these sacred scriptures into three groups and called Tripitaka.
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, was constructed by Japanese Buddhists at a cost of US$1 million. The shining golden statue depicts the Buddha in the posture he assumed when he was born. Near the base of the stupa is the grave of a Japanese monk murdered by anti-Buddhist extremists during the construction of the monument.
Royal Thai 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 centre next door is another fine piece of architecture. Arguably the greatest compound in the monastic zone.
The Buddhist scriptures are broadly divided into Theravada and Mahayana canons. The Buddhist scriptures of Theravada school has categorized these sacred scriptures into three groups and called Tripitaka.
Kudan Stupa
Situated about 3km south of Taulihawa, is the ancient and historical site of Nyigrodharama, currently known as Kudan or Lori-Ki Kudan. Lord Sakyamuni Buddha met king Suddhodhana here for the first time after enlightenment. Some scholars have also identified Kudan as the natal-town of Krakuchhanda Buddha. Early Chinese travelers Fa-hsien (5th century AD) and Hiuen Tsang (7th century AD) describe several events in their travel accounts including the arrival welcoming of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha by the king Suddhodhana at the Nyigrodharama.
Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment
Mother Temple of the Graduated Path to Enlightenment is located in Lumbini. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi Temple and several others which are still under construction. Many monuments, monasteries and a museum — the Lumbini International Research Institute — are also located within the holy site. Also located there is the Puskarini or Holy Pond where the Buddha’s mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate Enlightenment and finally relinquished their earthly forms.
The Austrian Geden International Foundation constructed this complex of stupas and monastery buildings, the latter in classical Greek style.