The historic Mayadevi Temple, located at the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, has undergone a major facelift after years of neglect, thanks to the financial assistance from the Royal Thai Monastery. The renovation, costing Rs 6.7 million, was completed over five months with the expertise of a Sri Lankan civil engineer, coordinated by the Lumbini Development Trust.

The restoration included comprehensive repairs to electrical wiring, drainage systems, ventilation, and painting—all done in a heritage-friendly manner without disturbing the archaeological remains. The once deteriorating temple had suffered from rising underground water levels, leading to damage to ancient structures. To address this, five new drainage wells equipped with automatic water pumps were installed, significantly reducing moisture damage. An advanced drainage network now directs rainwater from the roof and groundwater safely away from the heritage site.

Inside the temple, new walkways, doors, windows, and fans were installed. A total of 38 ceiling and exhaust fans now circulate air efficiently, reducing humidity and unpleasant odours. Heritage-friendly UV lighting has replaced outdated bulbs, ensuring the protection of archaeological artefacts from harmful rays.

The Lumbini Development Trust acknowledged the donation was crucial in avoiding UNESCO’s “endangered” list during the recent World Heritage Committee session in France. Despite being one of Nepal’s most visited sites, welcoming over two million visitors annually, authorities had long struggled to allocate funds for the preservation of the historical site.