'Maya Devi Temple' is an ancient architectural masterpiece, located in Lumbini (a 'World Heritage Site'), Nepal. The Temple serves as the main temple in Lumbini. It was named after the 'Queen Maya Devi', who gave birth to 'Siddhartha Gautama', better known as 'Gauthama Buddha', in 563 BC. Many archaeological remains have been found from under the temple, dating back to 3 BC. This temple was designed by a Japanese architect, ‘Kenzo Tange’, in 1978. It was quite fortunate that this temple and all others in Lumbini remained unharmed due to the earthquake in 2015.
Before reaching the temple itself, the Lumbini locals offer to give you a cycle or rickshaw ride. Although charged, of course, this ride is very exciting for those who have never sat on a rickshaw before. Even for those who have, the ride is quite enjoyable as you go slowly past the open fields and village areas. As you reach the temple, you see bushy trees decorated with colorful prayer flags waving at you; a welcome, from across the garden boundary. In the center of the garden, surrounded by those decorated trees is the white-colored, ancient, structural masterpiece.
The Maya Devi Temple is a calm and quiet place of worship. It is of immense importance to Buddhists all over the world as it was the birthplace of the founder of their religion 'Gauthama Buddha'. The walk on an elevated pathway is not like a walk in the park. Standing near hundreds of ruins dating back hundreds of years is also quite interesting. The birthplace of Buddha is also amongst these ruins and if you observe carefully the stone is enclosed in bulletproof glass. The 'Sacred Pond', also called 'Puskarni' is believed to be the place where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth to Buddha and is also a special place you would certainly want to visit.
From 'Gautham Buddha International Airport':
You can take a 30-minute bus to 'Lumbini' after which you will have to walk for 12 minutes (1.1 kilometers) to reach the temple.
You can also drive for 20 minutes (17.4 kilometers) to reach the temple.
Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
Yes. There may be long queues to get in
Entrance Fee
Foreigners: 200 NPR
Local and SAARC country visitors: 100 NPR
(NPR = Nepalese Rupee)
Time you can spend
1 to 2 hours
Weather
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