Lumbini, located about 100 km from Gorakhpur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Nepal and globally revered as the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists and spiritual seekers worldwide, marking the site where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE, who later became the Buddha — the Enlightened One.
At the heart of Lumbini lies the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the exact spot of the Buddha’s birth. Inside the temple is a stone marker, believed to be the precise location where Queen Maya held onto a branch of a sal tree while delivering Siddhartha. Adjacent to the temple is the Sacred Pond (Pushkarini), where Maya Devi is said to have bathed before childbirth, and the infant Buddha was given his first cleansing.
Surrounding the temple is the Lumbini Garden, a peaceful and meditative space where monks chant, devotees pray, and visitors absorb the spiritual atmosphere. The Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE to mark his pilgrimage to the birthplace of Buddha, still stands as a testament to the site's ancient sanctity.
Lumbini is also home to the Monastic Zone, where countries from around the world have built stunning monasteries reflecting their unique architectural traditions of Buddhism. Notable among them are the Thai Monastery, Myanmar Golden Temple, Chinese Monastery, German Temple, and Vietnamese Linh Son Monastery — each offering a glimpse into the diversity and unity of Buddhist heritage.
For researchers and archaeologists, the Lumbini Museum, the International Research Institute, and ongoing excavations provide valuable insights into early Buddhist history.
Calm, contemplative, and culturally rich, Lumbini is not just a historical site but a living symbol of peace, compassion, and the Buddha’s universal message. It is easily accessible by road from India via the Sonauli border, making it a must-visit spiritual destination for pilgrims and travelers exploring the Buddhist circuit
