Places to visit in Lumbini

Lumbini was the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama who is also known as Gautama Buddha in the 7th century BC. It is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage places based on significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha and the additional three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death). As Lumbini is significant in itself, there are many other places to visit in Lumbini.

Lumbini referred to as “the lovely” in Sanskrit is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu is one of many attractions for pilgrimage that sprang up in places central to the life of the Buddha. There are many other different places to visit in Lumbini. Some of the places to visit in Lumbini are:

Ashoka pillar

It is believed that this pillar was built during 249 BC when Mauryan king Ashoka visited the then flourishing village of Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka built four stupas and a pillar with a horse idol atop with an inscription that describes his visit and the importance of Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. These pillars of Ashoka were built at Buddhist monasteries, many important sites from the life of the Buddha and places of pilgrimage.

Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini

Some of the columns carry inscriptions addressed to the monks and nun whereas some were erected to commemorate visits by Ashoka. The pillars are surrounded by a small fence, decorated with colorful prayer flags and also has bowled to light incense sticks and meditate. It holds a historical significance and is considered to be one of the major attractions of Lumbini.

Maya Devi temple

The most noted and the important Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in around 563BC. The Maya Devi temple is one of the significant attractions of Lumbini. There is the pillar of Ashoka, ancient ruins of stupas, and maroon and saffron-robed monks convening below a sprawling Bodhi tree adorned with prayer flags in the adjacent sacred garden. The later temple is a white building that protects the exact spot of Buddha’s birth, denoted by stone carving.

Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini

The Bodhi tree is where Maya Devi rested in the shade while she was traveling. It was there that she went into labor and took a ritual dip in the sacred pond beside the temple which is believed to be where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth to the Buddha.

Myanmar Golden Temple

Myanmar Golden Temple is one of the oldest structures of the city on the premises with three prayer halls. It is built in Burmese style of architecture which is dedicated to Lord Buddha. Right inside the premises of the Myanmar Golden Temple is the Lokamani Pula pagoda, Burmese style pagoda that resembles the Shwedagon Paya of Yangon.

Myanmar Golden Temple, Lumbini

The dramatic corncob-shaped shikhara, styled after the temples of Bagan gives a majestic look to the entire structure. There are three prayer halls and a Lokamani Pula Pagoda in the premises of Myanmar Golden Temple.

World Peace Pagoda

One of the world’s greatest stupas, World Peace Pagoda was built by the Japanese Buddhists at the cost of US $ 1 million, Located outside the main compound. The pagoda has the shining golden statue of Lord Buddha in the position he took when he was born.  The vigorous monument is illuminated white signifying the moral motive behind establishing it. The Peace Pagoda is enveloped by verdant greenery and is a striking sight on a pleasant day under the clear blue skies.

World Peace Pagoda, Lumbini

It is a gleaming white structure with a golden statue which is a famous tourist attraction in Lumbini. There is the grave of a Japanese monk near the base of the stupa who was murdered by anti-Buddhist fanatics during the formation of the monument.

China Temple

China Temple is also known as Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery is one of the most impressive elegant Buddhist Monastery in Lumbini. The impressive structure of China Temple is built in a pagoda-style of architecture and resembles the look of the famous forbidden city of China. As one enters, the perfectly manicured internal courtyard fills the heart with peace and joy.

China Temple, Lumbini

China temple is a collection of pagodas, prayer rooms, and meditation chambers. The other temples and monasteries include the Korean temple, others built by Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, Germany, Sri Lanka, and other countries.

Lumbini Museum

China Temple, Lumbini

Lumbini Museum on the northern end of the premise displays artifacts from Mauryan and Kushana periods. It is dedicated to the life of Gautama Buddha and possesses religious manuscripts, metal sculptures and stamps from all over the world depicting Lumbini. Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI) provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general which is located opposite to the Lumbini Museum.

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar, Lumbini

Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar is a Tibetan styled Buddhist Gompa outside the complex was established by His Eminence Chogya Trichen Rinpoche and Raja of Mustang. The immense peace and tranquility of the site make it a perfect place for meditation and quiet introspection. Tara Puja is performed every day by the 600 monks residing in the monastery.