Butwal, Jan. 6 : Their Majesties King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, along with President of Mongolia Natsagiin Bagabandi and his spouse Madame A. Oyunbileg, observed archaeological sites at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, today.

Their Majesties and the distinguished guests offered worship at the Mayadevi Temple and also observed the stone on which Lord Buddha first set foot after his birth.

On the occasion, in the presence of Their Majesties, the Mongolian President and his spouse laid the foundation stone for the Gandantek Chengling Temple to be built in the Mongolian style in the Lumbini monastic zone.

The monastery is being constructed on a plot of land of about one bigha.

The Mongolian President and Madame Oyunbileg were briefed on the Lumbini Master Plan by archeologist at the Lumbini Development Trust Basanta Bidari.

President Bagabandi also signed the visitor’s book.

The President and his spouse were presented statues of Lord Buddha by chairman of the Lumbini Development Trust and Minister for Culture and Civil Aviation Tarinidatta Chatuat and vice-chairman of the trust Omkar Prasad Gauchan.

President Bagabandi offered gifts to officials of the Lumbini Development Trust.

Their Majesties the King and Queen, upon arrival here with the distinguished guests, were welcomed at the helipad by accompanying Minister Surendra Prasad Chaudhari, Minister for Culture and Civil Aviation Tarinidatta Chataut and vice-chairman of the trust Omkar Prasad Gauchan.

Members of the Mongolian President’s entourage and officials of Lumbini Development Trust were also present on the occasion.