World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) | Bhairahawa

The World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) is a massive white dome-shaped monument situated at the northernmost point of the Lumbini Monastic Zone. It was built by Japanese Buddhist monks from the Nipponzan Myohoji organization to promote global harmony.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a brilliant white stupa in the traditional pagoda style, standing 41 meters tall. It features a large golden statue of the Buddha in the posture he took at birth. Four additional golden statues are positioned around the dome, representing the four major stages of Buddha's life: birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death (Mahaparinirvana). The surrounding grounds are exceptionally well-manicured, featuring a long reflecting pool and the Crane Sanctuary.

Location & Access Logistics

Location: Northern end of the Central Canal, Lumbini Sanskritik 32900.

Access: Accessible via the main service roads on the eastern or western side of the Monastic Zone.

Transport: * Boat: Visitors can take a boat along the Central Canal from the Maya Devi Temple area to the museum, then walk approximately 15 minutes north.

Rickshaw/Bicycle: 15-minute ride from the Lumbini main gate.

Proximity: It is the final major landmark at the northern tip of the 3km-long Lumbini master plan.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The pagoda was inaugurated in 2001 and is one of over 80 Peace Pagodas built worldwide under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii. The site is notable for its proximity to the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, a protected wetland area established to preserve the Sarus Crane, a bird species deeply linked to Buddhist legends.

Key Highlights & Activities

Circumambulation: Walking around the upper tier of the stupa to view the four golden statues and the panoramic views of the monastic zone.

Crane Spotting: Observing Sarus Cranes in the adjacent wetlands, especially during the early morning or late afternoon.

Photography: The reflecting pool provides a symmetrical view of the white stupa against the sky, making it a primary site for photography.

Meditation: The area is significantly quieter than the Maya Devi Temple and is frequently used for silent meditation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features paved walkways, a large parking area for buses and rickshaws, and basic public restrooms. 4G/5G cellular coverage is stable. There are no commercial stalls immediately adjacent to the stupa to maintain its tranquil atmosphere; vendors are localized near the parking entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Daily: Late afternoon (16:30–18:00) is optimal for cooler temperatures and to witness the sunset reflecting off the white dome.

Season: November to February for clear skies and manageable heat.

Nearby Landmarks

Lumbini Museum: 1.1km South

Crane Sanctuary: Directly adjacent (West and North)

Lumbini International Research Institute: 1.2km South

Maya Devi Temple: 3.2km South (via Central Canal)