Samai Mai Temple is situated within the Tilaurakot archaeological site in Kapilavastu District, Lumbini Province, Nepal. Tilaurakot is widely identified with ancient Kapilavastu, the capital city of the Shakya kingdom. The temple lies about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. Surrounded by ancient ruins, earthen mounds, and forested land, the temple stands in a deeply historical and spiritual environment.
The present shrine structure of Samai Mai Temple is believed to date to the 19th century CE. However, the sacred mound on which the temple stands is far older, forming part of the ancient city layers of Kapilavastu that date back to around the 6th century BCE. Archaeological excavations around the temple have revealed brick structures and occupational remains from multiple historical periods, showing that this land has been revered continuously for centuries.
The presiding deity is Goddess Samai Mai, worshipped as a powerful local guardian goddess and a folk form of Divine Mother Shakti.
Unlike classical temples with sculpted idols, Samai Mai is worshipped in the form of natural black stone manifestations placed beneath a sacred Peepal (Pipal) tree. Among the three stones present, the central stone is considered the primary representation of the Goddess, while the others are associated with guardian forms.
Samai Mai Temple has a simple, rustic architectural style, reflecting ancient folk worship traditions. The shrine is built on a raised ancient mound, with a small sanctum shaded by the Peepal tree.
Devotees have hung numerous bells around the shrine, offered red cloth, vermilion, oil lamps, and placed clay elephant figures as symbols of fulfilled vows. Though modest in appearance, the temple’s strength lies in its living tradition and deep antiquity, not in structural grandeur.
Tilaurakot is believed to be the place where Prince Siddhartha Gautama spent his early life before renouncing the world. As Buddhism later spread across Asia, the region became globally sacred.
Yet, alongside Buddhist heritage, local Shakti worship never disappeared. Samai Mai Temple continued as a living shrine even after the decline of ancient Kapilavastu. Shepherds, farmers, forest dwellers, and villagers preserved the worship, ensuring that the Goddess remained active in daily life.
This continuity makes Samai Mai Temple a rare example where ancient Buddhist geography and indigenous Hindu folk worship coexist naturally.
According to ancient local belief, Goddess Samai Mai is the eternal guardian of Kapilavastu. Long before the rise of the Shakya kingdom and the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the land itself was believed to be protected by a Mother Goddess who resided in forests and open fields.
The Goddess is said to have chosen the Peepal tree as her abode, symbolizing life, protection, and cosmic balance. The black stone form of the Goddess is believed to have emerged naturally from the earth, not carved by human hands.
When Kapilavastu flourished as a prosperous city, Samai Mai was worshipped as the Kshetrapalika, the guardian of the region. Farmers prayed for good harvests, traders sought safe journeys, and families prayed for health and protection. During times of drought, disease, or danger, people gathered at her shrine, and it is believed that calamities subsided after sincere prayers and offerings.
Local tradition says that even when Prince Siddhartha left Kapilavastu in search of enlightenment, the Goddess continued to protect the land that shaped his early life. After the decline of the city, when Kapilavastu slowly turned into ruins and forests reclaimed the land, Samai Mai did not leave. Villagers believed she guarded the ruins, preventing harm and destruction.
Even today, locals strongly believe that the Goddess protects the Tilaurakot ruins. Archaeologists, workers, and visitors often offer prayers before beginning their work, seeking her blessings for safety and success.
Samai Mai is especially believed to be compassionate toward women and children. Prayers related to childbirth, health, family well-being, land matters, and protection are believed to be answered quickly. Devotees return after their wishes are fulfilled to offer bells, red cloth, vermilion, and clay elephant figures, symbolizing gratitude, strength, and stability.
The main festival of Samai Mai Temple is celebrated during the month of Phagun (February–March). During this time, a large annual fair is held, attracting devotees from nearby villages and neighboring regions of India and Nepal.
Special poojas, folk music, drum performances, and collective prayers are conducted. The rhythmic music is believed to spiritually invoke the Goddess and express communal gratitude.
Daily worship continues throughout the year, especially on Amavasya and Tuesdays, which are considered auspicious for Shakti worship.
