Ashoka Piller

This Ashoka Pillar is located in Lumbini in the Rupandehi district of southern Nepal close to the Indian border. It is one of many stone pillars built by the Indian Emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BC. Today only 19 pillars remain that have inscriptions most of which arefound in India. The one located in Lumbini, Nepal is of particular note as it is the oldest inscription found in Nepal and it also commemorates Ashoka's visit to to Buddha's birthplace after he converted to Buddhism.

The pillar stands next to the Mayadevi temple (Lumbini temple) which marks the spot where the Buddha was born.