Symbols in Buddhism – Meaning Behind Art & Sculptures in Lumbini
In the heart of Lumbini — the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha — symbols speak louder than words. As you walk through the peaceful gardens, temples, and monasteries, you'll notice countless sculptures, carvings, and artworks. Each of them holds deep spiritual meaning rooted in Buddhist teachings.
In this post, we’ll uncover the most important Buddhist symbols found in Lumbini, their meanings, and how they connect with the journey of enlightenment. Whether you're a traveler, a pilgrim, or a seeker of knowledge, understanding these symbols will deepen your connection with the sacred space.
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| Photo by Arun Jung Rana on Pexels |
🕊️ Why Symbols Matter in Buddhism
Buddhism avoids worshiping images for their own sake. Instead, it uses symbols to represent core values like wisdom, compassion, peace, and the path to Nirvana. These symbols are reminders for practitioners to reflect on inner truths, just as the Buddha taught.
In Lumbini, where ancient wisdom meets global pilgrimage, these sacred emblems become visual guides for the spiritual journey.
🪷 1. The Lotus Flower – Purity Rising from Mud
One of the most common and meaningful symbols in Buddhism, the lotus represents purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment. Just as a lotus rises unsullied from muddy waters, it reflects the human potential to rise above suffering and reach enlightenment.
📍 Where to see it in Lumbini:
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Carvings at Maya Devi Temple
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Lotus ponds throughout the garden
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On walls and gates of international monasteries
🛕 2. The Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra) – Turning the Wheel of Truth
The eight-spoked wheel, or Dharmachakra, symbolizes the Buddha’s teaching of the Noble Eightfold Path. It represents motion, wisdom, and progress toward liberation.
Each spoke stands for:
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Right View
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Right Intention
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Right Speech
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Right Action
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Right Livelihood
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Right Effort
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Right Mindfulness
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Right Concentration
📍 Where to see it in Lumbini:
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On monastery entrances and altars
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On prayer flags and murals
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In the architecture of the World Peace Stupa
🌸 3. The Bodhi Tree – Enlightenment and Mindfulness
The Bodhi Tree is a living symbol under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. In Lumbini, it represents awakening, wisdom, and peace.
📍 Where to see it in Lumbini:
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Actual Bodhi trees planted around the sacred pond
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Carved in temple murals
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Under which visitors meditate silently
🔘 4. The Ashoka Pillar – Historical Legacy
This pillar, built by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, bears the inscription that confirms Lumbini as Buddha’s birthplace. It is not just a symbol of Buddha’s birth, but also of Buddhism’s spread across the world through peace and diplomacy.
📍 Where to see it:
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Right beside the Maya Devi Temple
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Surrounded by prayer flags, showing its modern spiritual significance
🐘 5. The White Elephant – Buddha’s Conception
According to Buddhist legend, Queen Maya Devi dreamt of a white elephant entering her womb, symbolizing the birth of a great being. The white elephant thus stands for nobility, strength, and purity of intent.
📍 Where to see it in Lumbini:
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Carvings near the nativity sculpture
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On murals in Thai, Sri Lankan, and Vietnamese monasteries
🔔 6. The Bell – Sound of Dharma
In Buddhist temples, bells are used to mark the beginning and end of meditation or prayer. The sound of a bell is said to symbolize the call to awareness and awakening.
📍 Where to see/hear it:
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Monasteries during evening chanting
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Meditation halls at Korean, Chinese, and Japanese temples
🔄 7. Endless Knot – Interconnectedness of All Things
This ancient symbol represents the infinite wisdom and compassion of the Buddha, as well as the interdependent nature of all things in existence. It also signifies karma — the chain of cause and effect.
📍 Where to see it in Lumbini:
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Decorative elements in Tibetan and Bhutanese monasteries
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Sculptures and flags throughout the monastic zones
🔥 8. Eternal Flame – Peace and Continuity
The Eternal Peace Flame in Lumbini symbolizes the ever-burning spirit of nonviolence. It is a visual reminder of the Buddha’s central message: peace begins within.
📍 Where to see it:
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North of the Sacred Garden, near the central canal
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Often visited during walking meditations and peace ceremonies
🧘 How to Reflect on Symbols as a Visitor
When visiting Lumbini, you don't need to understand every detail of every symbol — instead:
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Pause and observe quietly.
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Reflect on what it evokes within you.
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Use symbols as anchors for mindfulness.
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Consider journaling what you feel while observing sacred art.
These symbols are not decorations. They are pathways to deeper understanding, especially when approached with humility and curiosity.
🙏 Final Thoughts
The symbols in Lumbini’s temples and gardens are more than just religious art — they are living teachings. Each sculpture, flower, bell, and tree is an invitation to look within and reconnect with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha.
In Lumbini, every step is sacred, and every symbol is a whisper of enlightenment.
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