The Ashoka Pillar beside the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini.
The sandstone pillar beside the Maya Devi Temple was put up by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka when he visited Lumbini on pilgrimage. Its Brahmi inscription records that the Buddha was born here and that the village was exempted from taxes. The pillar was rediscovered in 1896, and the inscription is the key evidence that identified this site as Lumbini. It is surrounded by a railing and often draped with prayer flags and offerings. Indian visitors who have seen Ashokan pillars at Sarnath or Vaishali will recognise the style.
- Address: Sacred Garden, Lumbini, Nepal
- Hours: Same hours as the Sacred Garden.
- How to Reach: Right next to the Maya Devi Temple in the Sacred Garden.
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