"मायादेवी मन्दिर"
Maya Devi Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located inside the UNESCO-listed Sacred Garden of Lumbini, Nepal. It serves as the principal shrine marking the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama Buddha in 623 BC.
The modern brick pavilion houses archaeological ruins of ancient brick-layered stupas dating back to the Mauryan period, alongside the sacred Pushkarini pond where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth and where the infant Buddha took his first bath.
The deity and daily ritual of Maya Devi Temple, its building tradition, its main festival, and the etiquette expected of visitors.
Lumbini was identified in 1896 when archaeologists discovered Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar confirming the birthplace of the Buddha.
Excavations revealed timber shrine structures predating Ashoka, establishing Lumbini as one of the oldest continuously venerated sacred sanctuaries on Earth.
Buddha Jayanti in May commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha. Thousands of monks, pilgrims, and dignitaries gather in Lumbini to light butter lamps, chant sutras, and participate in global peace prayers.
Remove shoes and hats before entering the main indoor Maya Devi archaeological temple structure.
Maintain absolute silence and respect meditation areas inside the sacred garden zone.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner archaeological sanctum to protect ancient ruins.
Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to Queen Maya Devi / Lord Buddha and stands at about 150 m in Sacred Garden, Lumbini, RUPANDEHI DISTRICT. The shrine follows the Buddhism tradition and is built in the Archaeological Brick Pavilion style, with details characteristic of the Theravada & Mahayana school.
The temple sits beside Birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, which has shaped both its ritual life and the way pilgrims approach it. Worship is led by Buddhist Monastic Tradition, and the daily routine of prayers and offerings continues alongside visitor traffic.
The most comfortable months to visit Maya Devi Temple are October to March (Oct–Mar), when temperatures are moderate and access is reliable. The main festival, Buddha Jayanti (May), is spectacular but crowded, so arrive early if you want space to observe the rituals.
Outside festival periods, early morning and late afternoon are the calmest times at Maya Devi Temple. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering the shrine, and check whether photography is allowed near the Queen Maya Devi / Lord Buddha image.