Discover Lumbini 2026
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Maya Devi Temple
The unadorned temple marks the archaeologically confirmed birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, around 623 BC and houses a marked stone pinpointing the exact birth spot, surrounded by the ruins of ancient monasteries.
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International Monastic Zone
Over 20 Buddhist countries have built their own temples in national style in the sprawling monastic zone, crossed by a canal, ranging from golden Thai pagodas to modest German monastery buildings, offering a unique overview of the global diversity of Buddhism in one place.
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Ashoka Pillar
The Indian emperor Ashoka had the pillar erected around 249 BC to document his pilgrimage to Buddha's birthplace, and its still-legible inscription provided archaeologists with the decisive proof of Lumbini's exact location.
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Sacred Puskarini Pond
The pond where, according to legend, Buddha's mother bathed before his birth lies right next to the Maya Devi Temple beneath an ancient bodhi tree, its branches adorned with colorful prayer flags left by pilgrims as a sign of devotion.
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❓ FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Lumbini
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How do I get to Lumbini?
The small Gautam Buddha Airport is only about 3 kilometers from the sacred district and is served several times a week from Kathmandu. Alternatively, Lumbini can be reached from Kathmandu by bus in about eight hours.
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Why is the Maya Devi Temple so significant?
The unadorned temple marks the archaeologically confirmed birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, around 623 BC and houses a marked stone pinpointing the exact birth spot, surrounded by the ruins of ancient monasteries.
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What is the international monastic zone?
Over 20 Buddhist countries have built their own temples in national style in the sprawling monastic zone, crossed by a canal, ranging from golden Thai pagodas to modest German monastery buildings, offering a unique overview of the global diversity of Buddhism in one place.
🏛️
What is the significance of the Ashoka Pillar?
The Indian emperor Ashoka had the pillar erected around 249 BC to document his pilgrimage to Buddha's birthplace, and its still-legible inscription provided archaeologists with the decisive proof of Lumbini's exact location.