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Heritage Site
World Peace Pagoda Lumbini
The World Peace Pagoda of Lumbini (विश्व शान्ति स्तूप / Lumbini Shanti Stupa), situated at the northern apex of the UNESCO-designated Lumbini Master Plan in Lumbini Cultural Municipality, is a colossal monument to global harmony and non-violence. Constructed in 2001 by Japanese Buddhist monks belonging to the Nipponzan Myohoji order under the visionary inspiration of the Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii, the stupa soars to a height of 41.5 meters, its gleaming white dome reflecting serenely against the tranquil waters of a circular reflecting canal. The architecture of the pagoda is rooted in classical Buddhist hemispherical stupa design, featuring an elevated circular circumambulation terrace (pradakshina path) adorned with four gilded bronze statues enshrined in cardinal niches. Each masterfully sculpted niche depicts a foundational milestone of Siddhartha Gautama's life: his birth in Lumbini Grove to the east, his supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya to the south, the turning of the wheel of Dharma (first sermon) at Sarnath to the west, and his ultimate Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar to the north. Set amidst forested groves, lotus wetlands, and quiet park grounds in the New Lumbini Village sector, the World Peace Pagoda provides a sublime sanctuary for silent walking meditation and photography. The expansive grounds are frequented by Sarus cranes and peaceful walking pilgrims who journey from the central canal by boat, bicycle, or footpath to offer incense and reflect on international peace.
Overview
The World Peace Pagoda of Lumbini (विश्व शान्ति स्तूप / Lumbini Shanti Stupa), situated at the northern apex of the UNESCO-designated Lumbini Master Plan in Lumbini Cultural Municipality, is a colossal monument to global harmony and non-violence. Constructed in 2001 by Japanese Buddhist monks belonging to the Nipponzan Myohoji order under the visionary inspiration of the Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fujii, the stupa soars to a height of 41.5 meters, its gleaming white dome reflecting serenely against the tranquil waters of a circular reflecting canal. The architecture of the pagoda is rooted in classical Buddhist hemispherical stupa design, featuring an elevated circular circumambulation terrace (pradakshina path) adorned with four gilded bronze statues enshrined in cardinal niches. Each masterfully sculpted niche depicts a foundational milestone of Siddhartha Gautama's life: his birth in Lumbini Grove to the east, his supreme enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya to the south, the turning of the wheel of Dharma (first sermon) at Sarnath to the west, and his ultimate Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar to the north. Set amidst forested groves, lotus wetlands, and quiet park grounds in the New Lumbini Village sector, the World Peace Pagoda provides a sublime sanctuary for silent walking meditation and photography. The expansive grounds are frequented by Sarus cranes and peaceful walking pilgrims who journey from the central canal by boat, bicycle, or footpath to offer incense and reflect on international peace.
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