Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama is traditionally believed to have been born. The modern temple protects a remarkably important archaeological site, where excavations have revealed successive layers of religious structures dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE. At the heart of the temple is the Marker Stone, which identifies the traditional birthplace, while the nearby Nativity Sculpture depicts Maya Devi holding onto a tree branch as she gives birth to Siddhartha. The temple takes its name from Maya Devi, the Buddha’s mother, who is said to have given birth to him while travelling from Kapilavastu to her maternal home.

Inside, the atmosphere is deliberately restrained because the building protects fragile archaeological remains rather than functioning like a conventional temple. Ancient brick foundations can be seen beneath the modern structure, revealing several phases of construction that developed around the sacred birthplace. Archaeological excavations have also uncovered evidence of an exceptionally early timber shrine beneath later brick structures, pushing the history of Buddhist worship at Lumbini back before the time of Emperor Ashoka. Pilgrims walk around the protected remains before pausing at the Marker Stone and Nativity Sculpture, making the temple both an active place of devotion and one of Nepal’s most significant archaeological sites.

The temple stands at the centre of Lumbini’s Sacred Garden. Visitors can walk to it from the main entrance or travel through the wider Lumbini complex before continuing on foot to the temple.