Temples in Lumbini

The Maya Devi Temple marks the spot where Siddhartha Gautama was born, and it is the reason Lumbini exists as a pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, a marker stone identifies the exact birthplace, protected under glass and surrounded by the excavated brick foundations of earlier temples on the same ground. The Ashokan pillar stands just outside, inscribed in the third century BCE by the emperor Ashoka to record his own visit, and the sacred pond beside it is where the Buddha's mother is said to have bathed before the birth. Shoes come off at the entrance, photography inside is not allowed, and the site opens early, which is the best time to see it before the tour groups arrive.

Myanmar Golden Temple in Lumbini is the oldest structure of the city. Built in Burmese style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha. The impressive corncob-shaped shikhara, styled after the temples of Bagan gives a regal look to the whole structure. There are three prayer halls and a Lokamani Pula Pagoda inside the building.

Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery, popularly known as the China Temple is an elegant Buddhist Monastery in Lumbini. The impressive structure 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.

Dae Sung Shakya Sa, popularly known as the Korean Temple, is a Buddhist Monastery in Lumbini. The impressive structure is built in a Korean style of architecture and has colourful murals on the ceiling. It even offers community sleeping area as well as three meals a day to visitors for a few days at a minimal cost of NPR 500 per day. Meditating in the courtyard full of monks and pilgrims is a peaceful and refreshing experience.

Situated in Lumbini, Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu Temple is one of the few attractions that represent the relationship between Vietnam and Nepal. A number of people visit this temple as part of the pilgrimage for Gautam Buddha. With its facade flanked with artificial mountains and a grand roof, it is definitely worth a visit for those who are interested in Buddhism and are visiting Lumbini.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is found on the left bank of the Tinau River. The Siddha Baba Temple is a fairly modest temple compared to some of the other temples in Nepal, but it still attracts quite a large number of devotees who come to give praise to Lod Shiva. It stands beside the Tilaurakot road on the way into Lumbini and is a working local shrine rather than one of the international monastery-temples, so it is quieter and busier with Nepali pilgrims than with tour groups. The pond beside it and the fish that live in it are treated as part of the site, and feeding them is a common offering.