Ashoka Pillar Sarnath Guide: Complete History of India's National Emblem Origin
TL;DR - Where is the original Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath? The original Ashoka pillar was originally ~50 ft tall; the surviving sandstone shaft (now ~7.5 ft) still stands in situ at the Sarnath archaeological site, ≈50 m from Dhamek Stupa. The Lion Capital (four lions, India's national emblem) is preserved in the Sarnath Museum. Emperor Ashoka erected this sandstone pillar in 250 BCE. The Dharma Chakra (24-spoke wheel) from this pillar appears on India's flag. "Satyameva Jayate" inscription is India's national motto. Visit: 6 AM-6 PM daily. Entry: ₹5-300 combo ticket. From Varanasi: 10 km, 30 min drive. Best time: October-March, 6-8 AM for peaceful viewing.
The Ashoka Pillar Sarnath (also known as Ashok Stambh Sarnath or the original Sarnath pillar) is one of India's most historically significant monuments. Erected by the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE, this magnificent Sarnath pillar originally stood over 15 meters tall, crowned with the world-famous Lion Capital—a masterpiece of ancient Indian sculpture that has become India's National Emblem.
This guide covers the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath: its original location, the iconic Lion Capital, Ashoka's Buddhist edicts, historical significance, and practical visiting information.
The original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath location near Dhamek Stupa
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Historical Significance of Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
Emperor Ashoka's Buddhist Patronage
In 249 BCE, the great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka—Buddhism's most influential royal patron—visited Sarnath on a pilgrimage to the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon around 528 BCE. To commemorate this sacred location, Ashoka erected several monuments including the magnificent Ashok Stambh Sarnath.
Emperor Ashoka's Transformation:
Before becoming Buddhism's greatest patron, Ashoka was known as "Ashoka the Fierce" (Chandashoka) for his brutal military campaigns. The Kalinga War (261 BCE) resulted in over 100,000 deaths, which profoundly affected Ashoka. He renounced violence, embraced Buddhism, and dedicated his life to spreading dharma (righteous law) and Buddhist teachings.
The Ashoka Pillar Sarnath represents this transformation—from a warrior emperor to a peaceful Buddhist monarch promoting non-violence, religious tolerance, and ethical conduct.
Why Sarnath Was Chosen for the Pillar
Ashoka chose Sarnath for this monumental original Sarnath pillar because:
Buddha's First Sermon: Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first teaching after enlightenment
Birth of Buddhism: The first Buddhist Sangha (monastic community) was established here
Sacred Site: One of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites
Strategic Location: Near Varanasi, a major cultural and trade center
The Sarnath pillar was part of Ashoka's network of pillars and edicts spread across his empire, promoting Buddhist values and dharma.
The Original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath: Location & Structure
Where to Find the Authentic Ashok Stambh Sarnath
The original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath stands at its authentic 2,250-year-old location in the main archaeological complex, approximately 50 meters southwest of the Dhamek Stupa.
Exact Location Details:
Site: Sarnath Archaeological Site, Varanasi District
Position: Near Dhamek Stupa, main excavation area
Access: Within ticketed archaeological complex (₹5-300 entry)
Coordinates: Approximately 25.3816°N, 83.0253°E
Distance from Varanasi: 10-13 kilometers northeast
Important Note: This is the original Sarnath pillar location—the exact spot where Emperor Ashoka erected it in 250 BCE. The pillar has never been moved from this sacred site.
Original Sarnath Pillar Architecture & Construction
Ashoka Pillar Sarnath Specifications:
Feature
Details
Material
Chunar sandstone (from quarries 50 km away)
Original Height
Estimated 15-20 meters (49-66 feet)
Diameter
Approximately 50 cm at base, tapering upward
Weight
Estimated 40-50 tons total (including Lion Capital)
Surface
Highly polished mirror finish
Construction Date
Circa 250 BCE (Mauryan period)
Inscriptions
Brahmi script edicts
Engineering Marvel:
The Ashok Stambh Sarnath demonstrates advanced ancient Indian engineering:
Monolithic Construction: Carved from single stone blocks
Mirror Polish: Achieved through techniques lost to history—the 2,250-year-old polish remains visible today
Transport: 40+ ton stones transported 50 km from Chunar quarries without modern machinery
Precision Carving: Perfectly cylindrical shaft with minimal taper
Durability: Survived 2,250 years despite invasions and weathering
Current Condition of the Sarnath Pillar
What Remains Today:
The original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath suffered damage during Turkish invasions of the 12th century CE when Muslim armies systematically destroyed Buddhist monuments across India.
Current Status:
Base Section: Lower portion of the shaft remains standing at original location
Height Today: Approximately 1.5-2 meters of the original 15-20 meters
Condition: Broken but still bears inscriptions
Inscriptions: Ashoka's Brahmi script edicts still partially visible
Protection: Fenced area with information boards
Lion Capital: Separated and preserved in Sarnath Museum
Despite the destruction, the Sarnath pillar remains at its authentic location, allowing visitors to stand at the exact spot where Emperor Ashoka erected this monument 2,250 years ago.
Lion Capital from Ashoka Pillar Sarnath: India's National Emblem
The magnificent Lion Capital, originally atop Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
The Most Famous Sculpture in Indian History
The Lion Capital that originally crowned the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath is arguably the most recognizable sculpture in Indian history. This magnificent artwork was carved around 250 BCE from a single block of highly polished Chunar sandstone.
Lion Capital Specifications:
Feature
Details
Height
2.1 meters (7 feet)
Material
Chunar sandstone with mirror polish
Main Sculpture
Four Asiatic lions seated back-to-back
Abacus Design
Circular base with horse, bull, elephant, lion sculptures
Wheels
Four Dharmachakras (Wheels of Law) separating animals
Inverted Lotus
Bell-shaped base connecting to pillar shaft
Weight
Approximately 2 tons
Current Location
Sarnath Archaeological Museum
Symbolism of the Lion Capital
Every element of the Lion Capital from the original Sarnath pillar carries deep Buddhist and political symbolism:
Four Lions:
Direction: Face north, south, east, west
Symbolism: Buddha's teaching spreading in all four directions
Attributes: Power, courage, confidence, pride
Pose: Seated in royal dignity, mouths open in roar
Message: Buddhist dharma's fearless proclamation
Abacus Animals (Four Guardians):
Horse: Energy and speed of dharma spread
Bull: Strength and steadfastness
Elephant: Wisdom and mental strength
Lion: Courage and royalty
Interpretation: These represent Buddha's life stages and cardinal directions
Four Dharmachakras (Wheels):
24 Spokes Each: Representing Buddha's teachings
Symbolism: The "Wheel of Law" set in motion at Sarnath
Significance: One wheel later adopted for India's national flag
Position: Separating the four animals on the abacus
Inverted Lotus:
Purity: Lotus symbolizes purity in Buddhist iconography
Connection: Links the capital to the pillar shaft
Design: Elegant bell-shaped transition
India's National Emblem: From Sarnath Pillar to National Symbol
On January 26, 1950, the Government of India adopted the Lion Capital from Ashoka Pillar Sarnath as the National Emblem of India.
Why This Sarnath Pillar Capital Was Chosen:
Historical Significance: Represents India's ancient Buddhist heritage
Secular Values: Buddhist principles of non-violence and tolerance
Artistic Excellence: Masterpiece of ancient Indian sculpture
National Integration: Ashoka unified much of Indian subcontinent
Timeless Message: Dharma (righteousness) over military conquest
National Emblem Usage:
Official Documents: Government papers, currency, passports
Government Seals: All official seals and letterheads
The 24-spoke Dharmachakra from the Lion Capital's abacus was adopted as the central motif on India's national flag, replacing the spinning wheel. This wheel represents:
Continuous progress and motion
24 hours of the day (eternal vigilance)
Buddha's 24 qualities
The "Wheel of Law" from Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath
Viewing the Lion Capital Today
Location: Sarnath Archaeological Museum (separate from pillar site)
Display: Dedicated gallery with 360-degree viewing
Lighting: Specially lit to showcase details
Viewing Experience:
The Lion Capital from Ashoka Pillar Sarnath is displayed on a circular platform in a climate-controlled gallery, allowing visitors to walk around and appreciate it from all angles. The 2,250-year-old mirror polish on the sandstone remains remarkably visible, demonstrating ancient India's advanced stone-working techniques.
Photography Rules:
❌ NOT allowed inside museum galleries
✅ Allowed at outdoor pillar location
✅ Allowed at museum exterior
Ashoka's Edicts on Sarnath Pillar: Buddhist Teachings in Stone
Ancient Brahmi script inscriptions on the original Sarnath pillar
What the Sarnath Pillar Inscriptions Say
The Ashok Stambh Sarnath bears some of Emperor Ashoka's most important Buddhist edicts, inscribed in ancient Brahmi script—one of the earliest writing systems in India.
Sarnath Pillar Edict Content:
The inscription on the original Sarnath pillar is known as the Schism Edict, warning against division within the Buddhist Sangha (monastic community).
Translation Summary:
"No one shall cause division in the order of monks. Whatever monk or nun causes division in the Sangha shall be made to wear white clothes [expelled] and to reside apart from the monastery. This is my command, and may it endure for as long as my sons and great-grandsons reign."
Key Messages:
Unity: Maintain harmony in Buddhist community
Authority: Emperor's direct intervention in religious matters
Punishment: Expulsion for causing schism
Perpetuity: Command intended for future generations
Buddhist Values: Non-violence even in punishment (exile, not execution)
Historical Context of Ashoka's Sarnath Edicts
Why This Edict at Sarnath:
Emperor Ashoka erected this specific edict on the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath because:
Sacred Location: Where Buddha's first Sangha was formed
Buddhist Authority: Sarnath had major monastic community
Schism Concerns: Divisions were emerging in Buddhist sects
Symbolic Power: Sarnath represented Buddhist unity and origin
Other Ashoka Edicts:
Ashoka erected over 33 pillars across his empire with various edicts promoting:
Non-violence (ahimsa)
Religious tolerance
Ethical conduct
Animal welfare
Social welfare
Buddhist dharma
The Sarnath pillar inscription is unique in directly addressing monastic discipline.
Deciphering the Brahmi Script
The inscriptions on the original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath were written in Brahmi script, the precursor to most modern Indian scripts.
Brahmi Script Characteristics:
Direction: Left to right
Period: 3rd century BCE
Language: Prakrit (spoken language of the time)
Discovery: Deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837
Importance: One of India's earliest written records
Reading the Sarnath Pillar Today:
While weathering has damaged some inscriptions, significant portions remain readable on the Sarnath pillar. Information boards at the site provide:
Photographs of inscriptions
Brahmi script explanation
English translations
Historical context
Visiting the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath: Practical Guide
How to Reach the Original Sarnath Pillar
Location: Sarnath Archaeological Site, 10-13 km from Varanasi
Transport from Varanasi:
Mode
Cost
Time
Details
Taxi (Round Trip)
₹600-1,200
30-40 min
Includes 3-4 hours waiting
Auto-Rickshaw
₹200-400
30-40 min
Negotiate in advance
Local Bus
₹20-40
60 min
Multiple stops, crowded
Tempo Traveller (Groups)
₹5,500-8,500
30 min
9-17 seater, full day
Best Option: Pre-book taxi with waiting time to visit both Ashoka Pillar Sarnath at the archaeological site and Lion Capital at the museum.
Early morning soft light: Best for sandstone texture
Camera Settings:
ISO 100-400 (bright daylight)
Aperture f/8-f/11 (sharp details)
Focus on inscription areas
Use polarizing filter to reduce glare on polished stone
At Sarnath Museum (Lion Capital):
❌ Photography NOT Allowed inside galleries
However, you can:
Photograph museum exterior and entrance
Buy official photograph postcards at museum shop
Sketch the Lion Capital (with permission)
Alternative: Many official images available online for reference.
Other Ashoka Pillars in India: Comparison
Emperor Ashoka erected over 30 pillars across his empire. Here's how the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath compares:
Famous Ashoka Pillars
Pillar Location
Condition
Capital Type
Current Location
Special Feature
Sarnath
Broken shaft remains
Four Lions
Museum (Sarnath)
National Emblem
Vaishali, Bihar
Intact, 18.3m
Single Lion
In situ
Best preserved
Lauriya Nandangarh
Intact, 10.4m
None surviving
In situ
Seven lion edicts
Rampurva
Broken
Single Lion, Bull
Museums (Kolkata, Delhi)
Two pillars same site
Allahabad
Intact
None visible
Allahabad Fort
Later Mughal inscriptions
Delhi-Topra
Relocated
Lost
Feroz Shah Kotla
Moved by Feroz Shah Tughlaq
Why Sarnath Pillar is Most Famous:
Lion Capital: Most artistically refined and historically significant
National Symbol: Chosen as India's emblem
Buddhist Importance: At Buddha's first sermon site
Edicts: Unique Schism Edict
Accessibility: Near major city (Varanasi) with tourism infrastructure
Significance of the Sarnath Pillar in Buddhism & Indian History
Buddhist Significance
The Ashok Stambh Sarnath holds profound meaning in Buddhist tradition:
Religious Importance:
Sacred Site Marker: Commemorates Buddha's first sermon location
Sangha Unity: Edict emphasizes monastic harmony
Royal Patronage: Shows imperial support for Buddhism
Pilgrimage Destination: Attracts Buddhists from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Tibet worldwide
Living Heritage: Active worship site for 2,250 years
Pilgrimage Experience:
Buddhist pilgrims visiting the original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath often:
Circumambulate (walk clockwise around) the pillar
Offer prayers and incense
Meditate near the pillar reflecting on Buddhist teachings
Photograph the pillar as spiritual memento
Combine visit with other Sarnath Buddhist sites
Historical & Cultural Significance
Archaeological Value:
Ancient Engineering: Demonstrates advanced Mauryan stone-working
Epigraphy: Provides direct evidence of Ashoka's reign and edicts
Art History: Represents peak of Mauryan sculpture
Buddhist History: Documents religious developments in 3rd century BCE
National Identity:
Secular Symbol: Chosen for independent India's emblem
Cultural Continuity: Links modern India to ancient Buddhist heritage
Soft Power: Recognized symbol of Indian civilization globally
Educational: Teaches Indian students about history and values
UNESCO Recognition:
While not individually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath is part of Sarnath's nomination on the tentative World Heritage list since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
Q: Can I touch the original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath?
No. The Sarnath pillar is protected by fencing to prevent damage from touching. You can view it from close proximity (1-2 meters) but cannot touch the ancient inscriptions or stone surface. This protects the 2,250-year-old monument for future generations.
Q: How was the Lion Capital separated from the Sarnath pillar?
The Lion Capital fell from the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath when the pillar was broken during 12th-century Turkish invasions. It was discovered during archaeological excavations in the early 1900s and moved to Sarnath Museum for preservation. The separation was due to destruction, not intentional removal.
Q: Are there replicas of the Ashoka Pillar Sarnath?
Yes, replicas of the Lion Capital from the original Sarnath pillar are displayed at:
Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House), New Delhi
India Gate area, New Delhi
Various government buildings
Indian embassies worldwide
However, the authentic Ashok Stambh Sarnath and original Lion Capital exist only at Sarnath.
Q: Why is the Sarnath pillar broken but Vaishali pillar intact?
The Ashoka Pillar Sarnath was deliberately targeted and broken during Turkish invasions (12th century CE) when Muslim armies systematically destroyed Buddhist monuments. The Vaishali pillar in Bihar survived because:
Remote location away from main invasion routes
Less prominent Buddhist site
Possibly mistaken for Hindu monument
Better preservation conditions
Q: What language are Ashoka's edicts written in?
The edicts on the Sarnath pillar are written in Prakrit language (the common spoken language of ancient India) using Brahmi script. Different Ashoka pillars across India use various regional scripts and languages including Greek and Aramaic in the northwest.
Complete Sarnath Visit: Beyond the Ashoka Pillar
Must-See Sites Near the Sarnath Pillar
When visiting the original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath, combine it with:
1. Dhamek Stupa (5-minute walk)
43.6-meter high Buddhist monument
Marks exact sermon spot
Exquisite stone carvings
Circumambulation by pilgrims
2. Sarnath Museum (10-minute walk)
Lion Capital from Sarnath pillar
Extensive Buddha sculpture collection
Archaeological artifacts
₹5-100 entry, closed Fridays
3. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar (15-minute walk)
Main modern Buddhist temple
Japanese frescoes
Sacred Bodhi tree
Evening prayers 4:00-5:00 PM
4. International Buddhist Temples
Thai Temple (golden architecture)
Tibetan Temple (prayer wheels)
Sri Lankan Temple
Japanese and Chinese temples
5. Chaukhandi Stupa (500 meters)
Octagonal Mughal tower
Early Buddhist period structure
Photography opportunity
Recommended Itinerary:
Morning (6:00-12:00):
Arrive 6:00 AM for peaceful atmosphere
Visit Ashoka Pillar Sarnath and archaeological site (6:00-8:00 AM)
Dhamek Stupa and Deer Park (8:00-9:00 AM)
Sarnath Museum opens 9:00 AM—see Lion Capital (9:00-10:30 AM)
Summary: Visiting the Original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
The Ashoka Pillar Sarnath (Ashok Stambh) is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history, Buddhism, or ancient art. This 2,250-year-old original Sarnath pillar combines historical significance, artistic brilliance, and spiritual importance in one monument.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Original Location: Authentic 250 BCE site in Sarnath archaeological complex
✅ Lion Capital: Now India's National Emblem, displayed in Sarnath Museum
✅ Ashoka's Edicts: Brahmi script inscriptions promoting Buddhist unity
✅ Visiting: Site 6 AM-6 PM daily, Museum 9 AM-5 PM (closed Fridays)
✅ Entry: ₹20-250 combo ticket covers both pillar site and museum
✅ Distance: 10 km from Varanasi, 30-minute drive
✅ Photography: Allowed outdoors (₹25), not inside museum
✅ Best Time: October-March, early morning 6:00-9:00 AM
Stand where Emperor Ashoka stood 2,250 years ago. See the pillar that changed from a warrior's monument to a symbol of peace. Experience India's National Emblem at its birthplace.
📱 Book your Sarnath visit: WhatsApp +91 70545 49988
The original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath location near Dhamek Stupa
