
#90 Globally
πͺ· Lumbini Maya Devi Temple
Nepal
About This Sacred Site
The Maya Devi Temple within the Lumbini sacred garden marks the exact spot where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who would become the Buddha. The temple houses the Marker Stone, identified as the precise birth spot, and the Nativity Sculpture depicting the birth scene. Archaeological excavations have revealed brick structures dating to the 6th century BCE, making this one of the oldest known Buddhist shrines. The sacred garden also contains the Ashoka Pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE and the Puskarini Pond where Maya Devi bathed before giving birth.
Key Facts
- β’Contains the Marker Stone identifying the exact birthplace of the Buddha
- β’Archaeological evidence dates structures here to the 6th century BCE
- β’The Ashoka Pillar, erected in 249 BCE, is the oldest known inscription identifying the site
- β’The Puskarini Pond is where Queen Maya Devi bathed before giving birth
- β’Distinguished from the broader Lumbini site by housing the precise birth location
Location
Coordinates: 27.4688, 83.2760





