LUMBINI IN BRIEF

The Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of the Buddha

The complex bears the testimony of several layers of construction built over the centuries. The restored Maya Devi Temple was reopened in 2003. The ground floor consists of the remains of the foundations of the early Maya Devi Temple that dates back to 6/7th century B.C. The temple houses Marker Stone which marks the birth spot of the Buddha.

The Marker Stone

The stone conglomerate located deeply buried in the sanctum pinpoints the exact birth spot of the Buddha, which was rediscovered after a meticulous excavation of the old Maya Devi Temple in 1996. It was found in the same distance and direction as mentioned by Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese traveller in his travel account.

The Nativity Sculpture

The image of Maya Devi, also known as the Nativity Sculpture dates back to 4th Century A.D. It depicts the nativity scene, Maya Devi, holding a branch of a tree with her right hand for support in the time of her delivery. Next to her, her younger sister Gautami Prajapati is standing in a supportive posture. The newly born prince Siddhartha is standing upright on a lotus pedestal, with two celestial figures receiving him.

The Asokan Pillar

The historical pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 B.C. bears the first epigraphic evidence with reference to the birthplace of the Buddha. It is the most noteworthy monuments and an authentic historic document of birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. The inscription on the pillar is engraved in Brahmi script and Pali language.

The Puskarni, The Holy Pond

Close by the Ashoka Pillar on the southern side lies the holy pond, Puskarni where Maya Devi bathed just before giving birth to prince Siddhartha and the infant prince is belived to have given first purification bath.