Ashokan pillar with inscription in Lumbini, clearly indicated that the pillar had been erected at the birth place of Lord Buddha.
The account of Huan Tsang dealt with Ashokan pillar in Lumbini. It said "On the east of the Ashoka tree was an Ashoka top, where two dragons washed the newly born prince with hot and cold water."
It was discovered by the then Governor of Palpa, Khadga Shamsher Rana and famous German archaeologist A. Fuhrer. The inscription engraved by Ashoka in 249 BC is still intact and testifies to authenticity of the birth place. The text written in Brahmi script and Pali language is translated as follows:
King Piyadasi (Ashoka), the beloved of Devas, in the twentieth year of coronation, himself made a visit to Lumbini and paid his homage. Realizing that the Buddha Sakyamuni was born here, stone railing was build and a stone pillar erected. Because the Lord was born here, the Emperor had the people of Lumbini village free from sone tax and entitled them to the eighth part only.
King Ripu Malla, in the 14th century, made a pilgrimage to Lumbini and engraved the famous Buddhist Mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" with his name Sri Ripu Malla Ciranjayatu on the pillar.
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