Mayadevi Pond

Located right in front of the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini, Maya Devi Pond is a square-shaped structure with steps all around to ascend to the water level. Also known as Puskarini, this is where Gautama Buddha's mother - Maya Devi - used to bathe. In fact, Lord Buddha's first bathing was done in this pond. A grand temple now takes the location where Buddha was born, and the Maya Devi pond is located right in front of the shrine. On special occasions, the steps around the pond are illuminated with oil lamps after sundown to worship the sacred place.

On one side of the pond is a well-kept garden with tall trees, lined by lush green bushes and on the other are ancient ruins that date back to the 3rd Century B.C. These ruins are believed to be the remains of ancient temples and stupas protected with brick pavilions. Another monument that will grab one's attention here is the Ashok Pillar, which was built by Emperor Ashoka in homage to Gautama Buddha's journey towards enlightenment and his teachings. The pond, therefore, is not just religiously significant but has great historical importance too.