We park at the edge of the village and walk a few minutes to the fenced enclosure by the pond. The standing stump and the fallen upper section lie a short distance apart. Your guide shows where the four lines of Ashoka's Brahmi text run and explains the key phrase: the emperor enlarged the stupa of Buddha Konakamana for the second time and later came to worship in person.
That phrase holds the oldest written record of the word stupa, which is why scholars treat this inscription with such care. The guide also points out the much later lines left by Ripu Malla, who visited in the 14th century, a reminder that the pillar was a known landmark for pilgrims long after Ashoka.
The stop takes about 45 minutes. Late afternoon light is best on the stone and the pond. The site is flat and quiet, with a few trees for shade. Please stay outside the railings and avoid touching the stone surface.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Photographers
- Seniors
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
What does the Niglihawa inscription say?
It says that King Priyadarsin, Ashoka, enlarged the stupa of Buddha Konakamana for the second time in the 14th year of his reign, and in his 20th year came in person to worship and set up a stone pillar. It is the earliest known written record of the word stupa.
Why is the Niglihawa pillar broken?
The pillar broke at an unknown date, and its upper part lies beside the standing stump. Archaeologists believe it may have been moved from its original location, possibly Gotihawa, where a pillar base stands beside a stupa. The capital that once topped it has never been found.
Is Niglihawa worth visiting?
Yes, for anyone interested in Ashoka or early Buddhism. The ruins are modest, but the inscription is one of the most important in Nepal after the Lumbini pillar. It takes under an hour and fits easily on the way back from Tilaurakot to Lumbini.
