Niglihawa Ashoka Pillar
निग्लीहवा अशोक स्तम्भ / Nigali Sagar
An Ashoka pillar broken into two pieces beside the ancient Niglisagar pond, bearing an inscription about Ashoka's visit to the stupa of the past Buddha Konakamana.
Niglihawa (also known as Niglisagar) is located about 7 km north of Taulihawa. Beside an ancient pond lies an Ashoka pillar that has broken into two pieces, with the lower section standing upright and the upper section lying beside it. The shaft bears a Brahmi inscription recording that in the 14th year of his reign Ashoka enlarged the stupa of the past Buddha Konakamana, and in the 20th year he came in person to pay homage. It is an important physical record for the study of belief in past Buddhas. The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions by Xuanzang also mentions this pillar. The column also carries later carvings from the 13th century. A new Konakamana Buddha Park has been built nearby. The site is open all day with no entry fee. Road conditions are average, and it is recommended to hire a car and combine the visit with Gotihawa and Tilaurakot.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tilaurakot (Kapilavastu)
- Kudan
- Gotihawa Ashoka Pillar
- World Peace Pagoda (Lumbini)
- Lumbini Crane Sanctuary
- Great Drigung Kagyud Lotus Stupa
- Lumbini Museum
- Zhong Hua Chinese Buddhist Monastery