Cambodian Monastery, Lumbini

The Cambodian Monastery at Lumbini — sometimes signposted as the Cambodia Mahaparinirvana Temple — is a smaller but visually distinctive compound in the East Monastic Zone, built by the Cambodian Theravada Buddhist community. The temple draws its architectural cues from the great Khmer temples of Angkor: a tiered pyramidal prasat rising in sharply receding layers, stone-coloured exteriors carved with apsara reliefs, and a compact square central tower reminiscent of Angkor Wat.

Inside the main sanctuary, a seated Shakyamuni Buddha image in bhumisparsha mudra sits on a simple altar; the surrounding walls carry reproductions of the famous Angkor bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and Jataka tales. The compound also houses modest residential quarters for a small community of Cambodian monks and lay volunteers.

The temple is particularly active during Khmer Buddhist festivals such as Meak Bochea (February) and Visakha Bochea (May), when the community organises chanting and almsgiving. It is an easy add-on to any East Monastic Zone walking loop that includes the Myanmar Golden Temple and the Royal Thai Monastery.