Devdaha

Devdaha Municipality देवदह नगरपालिका
Municipality
Devdaha Municipality Location in Nepal Devdaha Municipality Devdaha Municipality (South Asia)
Coordinates: 27.661°N 83.566°E / 27.661; 83.566
Province	Lumbini Province
District	Rupandehi District
Government
• Mayor	Dhruba Kharel
• Deputy Mayor	Bidya Laxmi Gurung
Area
• Total	136.95 km2 (52.88 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	72,457
• Density	530/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+5:45 (NST)
Area code	071
Website	www.devdahamun.gov.np

Devdaha (Deva Daha, Nepali: देवदह) is a municipality in Rupandehi District, located in Lumbini Province of southern Nepal. It lies approximately 7 km east of the sacred UNESCO site of Lumbini and borders Nawalparasi District to the east 1.

History and Etymology

The name “Devdaha” derives from the Sanskrit words *deva* (god) and *daha* (pond), referring to a famed holy pond where gods and sages are believed to have bathed. According to Buddhist texts and local tradition, Prince Siddhartha himself bathed there during his visits 2.

Historically, Devdaha was the capital of the ancient **Koliya kingdom**, closely linked through kinship to the Shakya clan of Kapilavastu. It is recognized as the maternal hometown of Queen Mayadevi, Prajapati Gautami (Buddha’s stepmother/aunt), and Princess Yasodhara (his consort). The **Buddha visited Devdaha both as a child and as an enlightened teacher**, preaching to monks in local monasteries 3.

Administratively, the modern municipality was formed in 2071 BS by merging former VDCs of Devdaha, Kerwani, and later Siktahan, expanding to its current 12 wards. It covers 136.95 km² with 17,300 households and a population of 72,457 (2021 census), yielding a 529 people per km² density and an 83.13 % literacy rate (male 89.7 %, female 77.4 %) 4.

Cultural & Archaeological Sites

1. 1. 1. Bhawanipur (Ward No. 4)

Believed to be the ancient capital, Bhawanipur features an Ashokan-style pillar, a Sun God statue, ancient well, brick walls, and unearthed pottery and coins. Annual Ram Navami fairs draw pilgrims here 5.

1. 1. 1. Pakari Tree (Ward No. 8)

A massive, ancient fig (Ficus benjamina) over 80 ft in circumference and 96 ft tall, reputedly dating back to Buddha's era. Local lore claims that birds and elephants avoid it, enhancing its mystical status 6.

1. 1. 1. Dev Daha (Ward No. 9)

A sacred pond once used by sages, surrounded by “Mangala Pushkarini” white, red, and pink blooms. It is the legendary origin of the municipality’s name and remains a pilgrimage site today 7.

1. 1. 1. Kanyamai & Bairimai Temples (Ward No. 7)

Near Shitalnagar, the Kanyamai Temple houses a broken Avalokiteshvara statue from excavated Koliya palace ruins. Bairimai temple, associated with Mayadevi, contains relics yet to be fully explored 8.

1. 1. 1. Khayardanda & Mathagadhi Fort

Khayardanda is traditionally seen as Siddhartha’s residence site during visits. Mathagadhi & Khayardanda show vestiges of medieval palace walls and defensive structures from British-era conflicts, offering panoramic views of neighboring districts. Artifacts date back to the 14th–16th centuries 9.

1. 1. 1. Devdaha Park

Operated by the Devdaha Conservation Academy, this park features a large Buddha statue (≈2–3 m), a gilded Sariputra statue, pagoda-style gardens, and a bodhi tree—popularly called the eastern “peace gate” of Devdaha. It was inaugurated by Crown Prince Paras Shah Dev and draws tourists and pilgrims alike 10.

Education

Devdaha hosts **47 schools**: 27 public and 18 private, including 34 pre‑school, 46 basic (Grades 1–8), 25 secondary (Grades 9–12), and 8 +2 institutions offering higher secondary programs 11.

1. 1. 1. 1. Notable Schools:

- **Devdaha Secondary School**, Ward No. 5: offers Grades 1–12 with ~512 students and NEB-affiliation for +2 courses 12 - **Devdaha English boarding high school ward No. 7: offers Grades Montessori to 10** - **Sagarmatha English Boarding Secondary School**, Green Plant, Devdaha Buddha Public English Boarding, Seven Star English, Kerawani Secondary School—all active in the schooling landscape 13

1. 1. 1. 1. Teaching Staff Structure:

- **Primary & ECD level**: 159 positions including municipal facilitation posts - **Lower Secondary**: 42 positions (Permanent & Relief posts) - **Secondary + Higher Secondary**: 39 positions including old HSS quotas and relief teachers 14

Tourism, Ecology & Community

- **Simsar Wetland** (Ward No. 9): a vibrant bird-watching and ecotourism site, rich in flora and peaceful lakeside ponds. - **Ujeri Homestay**, operated by Magar community (Ward No. 6): offers cultural immersion and rural hospitality experiences. - **Public parks & playgrounds**: Om Shanti Park, Smriti Park, Yashodhara Park, Gautam Buddha National Park, and sports grounds like Devdaha Cricket Ground, Panwari, and Bhawanipur Playgrounds.

Infrastructure & Development

- Located along the **Mahendra (East–West) Highway**, Devdaha benefits from strong connections to Butwal, Lumbini, and regional transit hubs. - Development strategy is built on the slogan: *“Education, Health, Agriculture, Tourism & Infrastructure – The Foundation of Prosperous Devdaha”* 15.

History

Devdaha was a township of the Koliyan in what is now the Rupandehi District of Nepal. The Buddha stayed there during his tours and preached to the monks on various topics. According to the Commentaries, it was the city of birth of the Buddha's mother (Mayadevi), and of Pajāpatī Gotamī and their companions (Koliyans), who married the Sākiyans of Kapilavatthu.

Origin of the name

In Sanskrit Language, Deva means god and Daha means a pond hence the literal meaning of Devadaha is "pond of the gods". It is believed that the gods and goddesses and saints bathed in this pond. Prince Siddartha himself is believed to have bathed in this holy pond during his visit here in Devadaha. Because it came into existence without human intervention, hence divine (Pali: sayañjāto vā so daho, tasmā pi Devadaho) and the water of this holy pond was supplied in the Koliya Palace. The ancient Koliya Kingdom and present Devdaha received its name Devdaha from this very holy pond.

According to the Buddhist text Dulva (Rockhill, p. 12), the city was founded by Shākyans from Kapilavastu, when they grew very numerous. The spot was pointed out by a deva, hence its name.

Tourism Place

Pakari Tree-Kabro (पाकरी वृक्ष)

Pakari Tree

Pakari Brikshya is peepal family known as Nepali Kabro Tree from the Ficus family 'Weeping Fig' (Ficus benjamina is the scientific name). The evergreen tree has a trunk of about 82 ft. circumference and height of about 96 ft. The branches are widespread, creating a circumference of about 500 ft, and it is believed to be one of the biggest trees in Asia. The Pakari Tree is a giant and is considered to be a holy tree. There are many myths and beliefs related to this tree. According to the locals, the large Pakari Tree dates to the time of the Shakyas. The fact that birds never nest on it, vultures and crows never perch on it, and elephants never go near it, amazes the people. Its unique structure and public belief of the historical relation to the period of Buddha, has made it a famous external and internal tourist attraction spot in the last few decades. Pakari Tree can be reached in a 5-minute drive from 'Khaireni bazar' to its south.

Bhawanipur(भवानीपुर)

Pillar in Bhawanipur Rupandehi.

The historical site of Bhawanipur, also known as Devidamar, is located 4 km south of Mahendra Highway at Devdaha Municipality Ward No. 4. It is believed to have been ancient Devdaha, capital of the Koliya. The site consists of a temple dedicated to Queen Mayadevi and other archaeological sites. Significant religious and archaeological and objects here include a long stone column (considered by some to be an Ashoka Pillar), stone image of Sun God, ancient brick well etc. Structural walls of ancient constructions are visible even at the surface level here.

Kanya Mai Temple(कन्या माइ मन्दिर )

Located at Devdaha Municipality just 1 Km south from the junction of Shitalnagar, the Kanya Mai Temple is believed to be built in the memory of Queen Prajapati Gautami, the step mother of Buddha. Major images found in the temple, include standing image of Lokeshwore holding Lotus flower in one hand, while the other is broken off, and many stone idols. Ancient potteries are still visible on the near by mound. Excavation carried out by the Department of Archaeology and LDT have uncovered several structural ruins and stone antiquities at these sites.

The structures of traditional palace and well also have been uncovered during the excavation of 2011 AD.

Devdaha Park

Prince Siddhartha was born in Lumbini while Queen Maya Devi was on her way to Devdaha. Queen Maya Devi died on the seventh day of Siddhartha's birth. He was then brought up by his second mother, Queen Prajapati Gautami. During his childhood, Prince Siddhartha paid several visits to Devdaha. After seven years of his Enlightenment, Prince Siddhartha – now Gautama Buddha – again visited Devdaha and was greatly welcomed there.

This Park is the eastern front gate of Devdaha. It contains a huge garden and a pagoda. There is a big statue of Buddha (7 feet or 2.1 metres) and a gilded statue of Sariputra. The garden contains various flowers including bodhi brichha. The park was built by Devdaha Conservation Academy, and it was inaugurated by Former Crown Prince of Nepal Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev. This park is the entrance and the symbol of peace in Devdaha. Previously due to lack of advertisement, people used to get confused about this place, but nowadays this problem has been solved.

External links

• Website of Devdaha municipality
• Entry on Devdaha in the Pali Dictionary of Proper Names