The Ashoka Pillars are timeless monuments of India’s rich heritage, reflecting Emperor Ashoka’s transformation from a conqueror to a messenger of peace, dharma, and compassion. Erected in the 3rd century BCE, these remarkable pillars were spread across the Mauryan Empire, carrying inscriptions—famously known as the Edicts of Ashoka—that conveyed his principles of good governance, non-violence, and moral conduct. Though many have disappeared with the passage of centuries, invasions, and natural decay, the surviving ones remain proud witnesses of India’s glorious past and can be admired even today with our India travel packages.
At present, around 20 Ashoka Pillars still stand tall in different regions of India, celebrated not only for their spiritual and historical value but also for being the earliest examples of stone inscriptions in the country. For students and curious travelers, even short notes like “10 lines on Ashoka Pillar” provide quick insights into their legacy before diving into the deeper stories.
In this blog, we’ll journey through seven of the most iconic Ashoka Pillars in India and explore their historical background, symbolic meaning, and intriguing details that continue to fascinate people across the world.
1. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath
The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most famous of all. This Ashoka Pillars marks the spot where Buddha first taught the Dharma after achieving enlightenment. The pillar originally had a four-lion capital known as the Lion Capital of Ashoka. These lions, standing back-to-back, represent strength, courage, and unity, making it a fitting emblem for the Indian state. This original Ashoka Pillar is especially significant because it promotes Buddhist values and symbolizes peace and the spread of wisdom.
The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is also known for its smooth sandstone, which has survived thousands of years. The importance of Ashoka Pillars like this one is highlighted by their continued relevance; the lion capital of Ashoka is still seen on Indian currency and serves as the country’s official emblem.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays.
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indian visitors and Rs. 100 for foreigners. This ticket often grants access to nearby archaeological sites, including Dhamek Stupa and the museum.
2. The Vaishali Pillar of Ashoka
The Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali in Bihar is one of the most remarkable of all. This Ashoka Pillar stands at Kolhua, a site where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his last sermon before attaining Mahaparinirvana. The pillar is crowned with a single lion capital, symbolizing strength, pride, and the eternal message of dharma. Though simpler than the four-lion capital of Sarnath, it reflects courage and resilience, making it deeply meaningful in the Buddhist tradition.
The Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali is also admired for its highly polished sandstone, which has endured for thousands of years. The importance of this pillar lies not only in its connection to Buddhism but also in its architectural beauty and historical value, attracting both pilgrims and travelers from around the world.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.
3. The Allahabad-Kausambi Ashoka Pillar
The Ashoka Pillar in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), near Kausambi, is a fascinating example of Pillars of Ashoka history. This particular pillar of Ashoka has inscriptions not only from Ashoka’s time but also from later rulers, such as Samudragupta, who ruled during the Gupta dynasty. The Ashoka pillar locations often show us how these structures were valued across centuries, with future rulers choosing to add their marks alongside Ashoka’s.
This Ashoka Pillar has inscriptions about kindness, respect, and a sense of duty toward all beings. The messages here are intended to encourage people to live in harmony, embracing a moral lifestyle. For historians, this Ashoka Pillar offers valuable insights into how Ashoka’s principles were both practical and profound.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee: No entry fee is charged for visitors.
4. The Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar
The Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar in Bihar is one of India’s tallest, standing at approximately 36 feet. Crafted from polished sandstone, this pillar is remarkably well-preserved, and its height makes it a striking example of Ashoka’s architectural skill. The pillar demonstrates how Ashoka combined grandeur with meaningful inscriptions to convey moral and ethical guidance.
The inscriptions on this Ashoka Pillar focus on peace, non-violence, and compassion, reflecting the core principles that Ashoka wanted his subjects to follow. The pillar serves as a testament to his vision of a society grounded in ethical values and harmony.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee: Free for visitors, though occasional nominal charges may apply for maintenance or special events.
5. The Rampurva Ashoka Pillar
The Ashoka Pillar at Rampurva in Bihar is famous for its unique elephant-crowned capital. The carved elephant atop the pillar represents Buddha’s strength, wisdom, and compassion, making it a remarkable symbol of moral and spiritual guidance. This site is historically significant as it is believed that Buddha once visited this region, adding religious importance to the pillar.
Rampurva Ashoka Pillar is not just a stunning piece of craftsmanship but also carries inscriptions meant to encourage ethical living and respect for all life. Ashoka used such pillars to promote Buddhist values and moral teachings, showing how architecture and philosophy were closely linked in his era.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from sunrise to sunset; exact timings may vary, so it’s best to check locally.
Entry Fee: Free for visitors, though occasional nominal charges may apply for maintenance or special events.
6. The Delhi-Meerut Ashoka Pillar
In Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla complex stands an Ashoka Pillar that was originally located in Meerut and later moved by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. This relocation highlights how subsequent rulers recognized the historical and cultural importance of Ashoka’s monuments and sought to preserve them. The spread of Ashoka pillars across India reflects his enduring influence and the respect he commanded.
The inscriptions on this pillar emphasize religious tolerance and mutual respect, promoting peaceful coexistence among different communities. The Delhi-Meerut Ashoka Pillar remains significant not only as a historical artifact but also as a symbol of Ashoka’s timeless moral and ethical teachings.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Rs. 25 for Indian citizens and Rs. 300 for foreign nationals.
7. The Ashoka Pillar at Topra
Another Ashoka Pillar that was moved to Delhi is the Topra Ashoka Pillar from Haryana. Feroz Shah Tughlaq relocated it to Delhi, preserving its inscriptions that highlight Ashoka’s vision of a peaceful and united empire. The history of this pillar reflects how Ashoka used such monuments to spread his messages of compassion, moral responsibility, and respect for all beings.
The inscriptions on the Topra Ashoka Pillar emphasize kindness, non-violence, and ethical living. They serve as a reminder of Ashoka’s enduring goal to build a harmonious society rooted in integrity, tolerance, and moral values.
Timings for Ashok Stambh: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee: Free for visitors, as it is an open site.
Why the Ashoka Pillars Matter?
The Ashoka Pillars in India are more than just ancient stone structures—they are timeless messages meant to inspire generations long after Ashoka’s rule. Each pillar reflects Ashoka’s transformation from a warrior king to a ruler guided by moral and ethical principles. For Ashoka, these pillars were not mere monuments; they were a way to communicate his commitment to justice, peace, and compassion across his vast empire.
Today, the Ashoka Pillars continue to hold significance for Indians and travelers alike. They remind us of values such as tolerance, non-violence, and respect for all beings. These monuments also serve as important sites for Buddhists, historians, and students, offering insights into Ashoka’s life, his dedication to spreading Dharma, and his vision of a harmonious society.
Even simplified into “10 lines on Ashoka pillar,” the essence of these inscriptions remains powerful—promoting kindness, ethical conduct, and universal respect.
Where are the Ashoka Pillars Located?
Curious about where the Ashoka Pillars are found in India? These iconic monuments are spread across various regions, including Sarnath, Vaishali, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Lauriya Nandangarh, Rampurva, Delhi, and Topra. While some pillars remain remarkably well-preserved, others show the effects of time and weather. Each pillar stands as a tangible piece of history, inviting us to reflect on Ashoka’s teachings and legacy.
The pillars illustrate how Ashoka evolved from a conqueror to a compassionate ruler, using his authority to encourage ethical living. Through these inscriptions, he inspired people to lead lives of honesty, kindness, and respect—values that remain relevant even today. Every Ashoka Pillar serves as a reminder that leadership guided by morality and compassion can leave a lasting impact on society.
