Archaeologists have found the spot believed to be where Buddha gave his first sermon in Nepal after attaining enlightenment, the Kathmandu Post reported on Sunday (Jan 31).

The "post hole" was discovered in an excavation at Nigrodharam in the southern Kapilvastu district by a team of archaeologists from Durham University, Unesco, Nepal's Department of Archaeology, and Lumbini Development Trust, said the report.

Measuring six inches in circumference and four inches deep, the spot was discovered in the southern part of the ancient ruins, it said.

One of the experts involved in the excavations was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the wood and bamboo that the structure is made of correspond to those used in the area in Buddha's time some 2,500 years ago.

The finding shows that there was a well-managed settlement in the area, the report said, adding that the search is on to find other possible post holes in the area.

Unesco consultant Basanta Bidari said laboratory tests of the soil, charcoal and bone from the area would unveil more of the place's history.