Devdaha's sites are spread over several kilometres of villages and forest edge, so we travel between them by car with short walks at each. The first stop is the Maya Devi shrine with its pond, the spiritual centre of Devdaha, where your guide tells the story of the queen's dream of a white elephant, her journey from Kapilavastu and the birth at Lumbini on the way home.
We then visit the mounds associated with the old Koliya town and talk about the relationship between the two clans: marriages, shared festivals and rivalry over land and water. The story of Prajapati Gautami follows, from raising her sister's son to leading 500 Shakya women to seek ordination, which led to the founding of the order of nuns.
The visit takes about 2.5 hours including driving between sites. Facilities are basic, and paths are mostly flat earth. It is a good morning outing from Lumbini or a meaningful break on the road to Tansen.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Seniors
- Families
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
What is the significance of Devdaha in Buddhism?
Devdaha was the capital of the Koliya clan and the maternal home of Maya Devi, the Buddha's mother, and of Prajapati Gautami, who raised him. Tradition says the Buddha visited Devdaha after his enlightenment. It completes the family story that also includes Lumbini and Kapilavastu.
Who was Prajapati Gautami?
Prajapati Gautami was Maya Devi's younger sister and also a wife of King Suddhodana. She raised Siddhartha after his mother died. Later she shaved her head, walked with other Shakya women to find the Buddha, and asked for ordination, becoming the first Buddhist nun.
How long does it take to see Devdaha?
Allow 2–3 hours to visit the main sites with a guide, including short drives between them. Add about 1–1.25 hours each way from Lumbini. Devdaha combines well with Ramagrama for a full day, or with the drive to Tansen.
