File:Niglihawa Ancient Asoka Pillar Kapilbastu Lumbini Zone Nepal Rajesh Dhungana(3).jpg

English: The pillar was built in 249 BC at Niglihawa, the birthplace of the Kanakmuni Buddha, about 8 km northeast of Taulihawa Bazaar in Kapilbastu district. The large pillar is placed on the ground, the small pillar is buried in the ground and the small pillar has an inscription.

The Mauryan Emperor Asoka erected an inscribed pillar in 249 BCE, recording his veneration and enlargement of the nirvana stupa of the Kanakamuni Buddha, one of the 27 Buddhas preceding lord Buddha. The Chinese pilgrims Faxian (5th century CE) and Xuanzang (7th century CE) also described their visits to the pillar and stupa. Two fragments of the pillar were rediscovered in 1895, the upper portion was half submerged in the bank of the Niglisagar Pond, while the lower part of the pillar was partially buried. As the base of the pillar an plinth on which it once stood are missing, its original location remains unknown.

Some scholars believe that it was erected at the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha, which Faxian indicates is about one yojana (c. 11-14km) west from the city of Kapilbastu. However, Xuanzang provides different directions and, as such, the town’s location remains unknown. Asoka’s pillar also bears a later inscription marking King Ripu Malla’s visit in 1312 CE.