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Pilgrimage Guide › Nepal Sacred Sites 42–48 › Devdaha
Devdaha in Rupandehi district, Nepal, was the capital of the ancient Koliya kingdom and the hometown of Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother, and of Mahapajapati Gotami, who raised him. The Buddha later visited Devdaha and taught here.
Devdaha, Rupandehi district, Nepal
About 57 km east
Bhawanipur, Khayardanda, Kanyamai
Koliya
October to March
2–3 hours
Devdaha was the capital of the Koliya kingdom, neighbours and relatives of the Shakyas of Kapilavastu. Queen Mayadevi and her sister Mahapajapati Gotami were Koliya princesses from Devdaha. Mayadevi was on her way here to give birth when the Buddha was born at Lumbini. After her early death, Mahapajapati raised the young prince and later became the first Buddhist nun.
After his Enlightenment, the Buddha visited Devdaha and taught here; the Devadaha Sutta is named after this place. The Rohini River nearby once formed the border between the Shakyas and Koliyas, and the Buddha settled a dispute over its water. Today several sites in the area are linked with ancient Devdaha, and excavations continue.
Devdaha honours the Buddha’s mother and the aunt who raised him. Visiting here is a beautiful way to show gratitude to mothers, a value deeply respected in Thai Buddhist culture.
It also reminds pilgrims of Mahapajapati Gotami, whose request opened the path of the Sangha to women.
Devdaha is about 57 km east of Lumbini and close to Butwal, on the East–West Highway. Bhairahawa airport is about one hour away by road. Devdaha is often visited together with Ramagrama, about 25–35 km away.
October to March is the best time. The sites are spread over several kilometres, so a private vehicle is needed. Local guidance is helpful, as signs are limited. Devdaha is quiet and rarely visited, ideal for peaceful prayer in honour of the Buddha’s mother.
Prime Value Tours can include this sacred place in a private tour for your group, with an English or Thai-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, vegetarian meals and unhurried time for chanting and meditation at every stop. Tell us your group size and travel dates, and we will plan the best route and send your quotation within 24 hours.
Devdaha was the hometown of Queen Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother, and of Mahapajapati Gotami, who raised him and became the first Buddhist nun.
Devdaha is about 57 km east of Lumbini, near Butwal.
The main sites are Bhawanipur (Devidamar), Khayardanda, Kanyamai, the great Pakadi tree and the Rohini River.
Yes. The Buddha visited Devdaha after his Enlightenment and taught here. The Devadaha Sutta is named after it.
Yes. Ramagrama is about 25–35 km from Devdaha, so both are often visited on the same day.
Government-approved tour operator from Varanasi since 1999. Private Buddhist pilgrimage tours for Thai and Southeast Asian groups, with English or Thai-speaking guides.
