Hari Om

Menu

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple

The Maya Devi Temple is one of the most revered and historically significant temples located in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Lord Buddha. This temple is dedicated to Queen Maya Devi, the mother of Buddha, and marks the exact spot where he was born around 623 BCE.

lotus removebg preview

“ॐ नमो माया देव्यै नमः।
मंगलम बुद्ध जननी माया देवी मातरं।
सर्वमङ्गलमांगल्ये देवी श्रद्धा स्वरूपिणी।”

― Maya Devi Temple

The mother of Buddha, and marks the exact spot where he was born around 623 BCE.

lotus removebg preview
Maya Devi Temple6.wep

Mythological Significance & History

The site has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. According to Buddhist tradition, Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Buddha while holding a branch of a Sal tree in the Lumbini Garden. The first temple is believed to have been built here by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, who erected a sandstone pillar (Ashoka Pillar) to commemorate the Buddha’s birth.
Over centuries, the temple has undergone many renovations and reconstructions by various rulers and followers of Buddhism.

lotus removebg preview

Significance of the Temple

Birthplace of Lord Buddha: It is believed that Siddhartha Gautama took his first steps here.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its cultural and spiritual importance.
Pilgrimage Destination: A vital part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit along with Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.
Spiritual Energy: Devotees believe the site is filled with divine energy and blessings of peace and compassion.

Maya Devi Temple5.wep
lotus removebg preview

lotus removebg preview

Architecture of the Temple

Maya Devi Temple3.wep

The current structure is a whitewashed, simple yet sacred building protecting the ruins of ancient temples beneath.

Inside, you can see:

  • The Marker Stone, indicating the exact birthplace of Buddha.
  • Ancient bas-reliefs and sculptures.
  • The Nativity Sculpture depicting Queen Maya Devi holding the Sal tree.

The temple is surrounded by a peaceful sacred garden, ruins of monasteries, and the sacred pond (Pushkarini) where Maya Devi is believed to have bathed before giving birth.

How to Reach to Temple

📍 Location: Lumbini, Rupandehi District, Province No. 5, Nepal.

✈️ By Air:

  • The nearest airport is Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) in Siddharthanagar, approx. 22 km from the temple.

🚆 By Train:

  • Nearest major railway station is Gorakhpur (India), about 100 km away. From there, buses or taxis can take you to Lumbini.

🚌 By Road:

Well-connected by buses and taxis from major cities in Nepal and northern India.

Maya Devi Temple4.wep

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Maya Devi Temple.wep
  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

lotus removebg preview

Temple Location

Related posts: