Ashoka Pillar Sarnath: Original Ashok Stambh, Lion Capital & Buddhist Edicts Guide 2025
TL;DR: The original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath (Ashok Stambh) stands at its authentic 250 BCE location in Sarnath archaeological site, 10 km from Varanasi. Though broken during 12th-century invasions, the inscribed Sarnath pillar shaft remains in situ with Ashoka's Buddhist edicts. The famous Lion Capital from this Sarnath pillarтАФnow India's National EmblemтАФis displayed in Sarnath Museum. Visit timing: Site 6 AM-6 PM daily (pillar), Museum 9 AM-5 PM (Lion Capital, closed Fridays). Entry: тВ╣5-300. Photography allowed outdoors.
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 CapitalтАФa masterpiece of ancient Indian sculpture that has become India's National Emblem.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about 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
Historical Significance of Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
Emperor Ashoka's Buddhist Patronage
In 249 BCE, the great Mauryan Emperor AshokaтАФBuddhism's most influential royal patronтАФvisited 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 transformationтАФfrom 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 (тВ╣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 locationтАФthe 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 historyтАФthe 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
- Courtrooms: Supreme Court and High Courts
- Embassies: Indian diplomatic missions worldwide
- Motto: "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) from Mundaka Upanishad added below
Ashoka Chakra on National Flag:
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)
Museum Details:
- Address: Sarnath, Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh
- Timing: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Every Friday + national holidays
- Entry Fee: тВ╣5 (Indians), тВ╣100 (foreigners)
- 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:
- тЭМ NOT allowed inside museum galleries
- тЬЕ Allowed at outdoor pillar location
- тЬЕ 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 scriptтАФone 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) | тВ╣600-1,200 | 30-40 min | Includes 3-4 hours waiting |
| Auto-Rickshaw | тВ╣200-400 | 30-40 min | Negotiate in advance |
| Local Bus | тВ╣20-40 | 60 min | Multiple stops, crowded |
| Tempo Traveller (Groups) | тВ╣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.
Book Sarnath taxi: Varanasi to Sarnath Tempo Traveller
Sarnath Pillar Visit Timings & Entry Fees
Archaeological Site (Original Ashoka Pillar Location):
- Opening: 6:00 AM (sunrise)
- Closing: 6:00 PM (sunset)
- Weekly Off: None (open daily including Fridays)
- Entry Fee:
- Indians: тВ╣5-25
- SAARC/BIMSTEC: тВ╣20
- Foreigners: тВ╣100-300
- Camera Fee: тВ╣25 (photography allowed)
Sarnath Museum (Lion Capital):
- Opening: 9:00 AM
- Closing: 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Weekly Off: Every Friday + national holidays
- Entry Fee:
- Indians: тВ╣5
- Foreigners: тВ╣100
- Combo Ticket: тВ╣20 (Indians), тВ╣250 (foreigners) for both site + museum
- Photography: NOT allowed inside galleries
Recommended Visit Duration:
- Pillar Site Only: 30-45 minutes
- Site + Museum: 2-3 hours
- Complete Sarnath (pillar + museum + temples): 3-4 hours
Best Time to Visit Ashoka Pillar Sarnath
Optimal Season:
- Months: October to March
- Temperature: 10-25┬░C (pleasant)
- Weather: Clear skies, minimal rain
- Crowds: Moderate to high (peak tourist season)
Best Time of Day:
- Early Morning (6:00-9:00 AM):
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Soft golden light for photography
- Cooler temperatures
- Fewer tourists at original Sarnath pillar
- Late Afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM):
- Beautiful sunset lighting
- Less crowded than morning
Avoid:
- April-June: Extreme heat (35-45┬░C)
- July-August: Heavy monsoon, slippery paths
- 12:00-3:00 PM: Harsh sunlight, very hot
Photography Tips for Ashoka Pillar & Lion Capital
At the Original Sarnath Pillar (Outdoor Site):
тЬЕ Photography Allowed (тВ╣25 camera fee)
Best Shots:
- Close-up of inscriptions: Show Brahmi script details
- Full shaft with Dhamek Stupa background: Establish location context
- Information board + pillar: Educational documentation
- Protective fencing details: Shows preservation efforts
- Blue sky background: Classic monument photography
- 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):
тЭМ 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
- тВ╣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 AMтАФsee Lion Capital (9:00-10:30 AM)
- Buddhist temples tour (10:30 AM-12:00 PM)
Full guide: Sarnath Complete Guide
Book Your Ashoka Pillar Sarnath Visit
Professional Transport from Varanasi
Planning to visit the original Ashoka Pillar Sarnath? Kashi Taxi offers reliable transport with drivers experienced in Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Sarnath Packages:
| Package | Duration | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day | 4 hours | тВ╣600-1,200 | Round trip + waiting |
| Full-Day | 8 hours | тВ╣2,500-3,500 | Varanasi morning + Sarnath + evening aarti |
| Buddhist Circuit | 3-5 days | тВ╣18,000-45,000 | Sarnath + Bodh Gaya + Kushinagar + Lumbini |
What's Included:
- тЬЕ AC vehicle (Sedan/Innova/Tempo Traveller)
- тЬЕ Professional driver with site knowledge
- тЬЕ All fuel, tolls, parking charges
- тЬЕ Flexible timing for photography
- тЬЕ Hotel/airport pick-up and drop
- тЬЕ 24/7 booking support
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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:
тЬЕ Original Location: Authentic 250 BCE site in Sarnath archaeological complex
тЬЕ Lion Capital: Now India's National Emblem, displayed in Sarnath Museum
тЬЕ Ashoka's Edicts: Brahmi script inscriptions promoting Buddhist unity
тЬЕ Visiting: Site 6 AM-6 PM daily, Museum 9 AM-5 PM (closed Fridays)
тЬЕ Entry: тВ╣20-250 combo ticket covers both pillar site and museum
тЬЕ Distance: 10 km from Varanasi, 30-minute drive
тЬЕ Photography: Allowed outdoors (тВ╣25), not inside museum
тЬЕ 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.
ЁЯУ▒ Book your Sarnath visit: WhatsApp +91 94503 01573
