Lumbini Monastic Zone & Peace Pagoda
Also known as: लुम्बिनी विहार क्षेत्र र शान्ति स्तूप · लुम्बिनी विहार क्षेत्र · Lumbini Monastic Zone · World Peace Pagoda Lumbini · विश्व शान्ति स्तूप
In 1967 the UN Secretary-General U Thant, a Buddhist from Burma, visited Lumbini and urged that it be developed as a place of pilgrimage and peace. The Japanese architect Kenzo Tange drew up a master plan, adopted in 1978, that runs roughly north from the Sacred Garden along a long central canal.
Two zones
West of the canal are monasteries of the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions — Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, German, Tibetan-style and others. East of it are Theravada monasteries from countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Each is built in its home country's style, so a walk here is like a tour of the Buddhist world: golden stupas, tiered roofs, painted halls and quiet gardens.
Eternal Peace Flame and Peace Pagoda
The Eternal Peace Flame burns by the canal. At the north end rises the World Peace Pagoda, a gleaming white stupa built by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order, with golden Buddha images facing the four directions.
Visiting
Distances are long, so hire a bicycle or electric rickshaw. Dress modestly, remove shoes inside halls and ask before photographing monks. Morning chanting in several monasteries is open to respectful visitors.