Ashoka Pillar Tourism
Type of destination: Heritage Site
Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours
Closed in: Open all year round
The Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi is one of the most significant monuments located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It stands as a testament to Emperor Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism and his efforts to spread its principles. The pillar, part of the Sanchi Stupa complex, is renowned for its structural elegance and Mauryan artistry. It features a shaft made of a single piece of sandstone and a four-lion capital, which is now placed in the Sanchi Archaeological Museum. The Ashoka Pillar portrays the Greco-Buddhist style, with its capital being the inspiration for the National Emblem of India. The symbolism encapsulated in the pillar is rich; the lions represent power, courage, confidence, and pride. Below the lions, the pillar features a circular abacus adorned with carvings of animals like the elephant, the bull, the horse, and the lion, separated by intervening spoked chariot-wheels. These animals symbolize the various stages of Lord Buddha's life. The pillar not only marks a religious and historical site but also showcases the architectural prowess of ancient Indian craftsmen.
Opening and Closing time of Ashoka Pillar
| Monday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Tuesday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Wednesday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Thursday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Friday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Saturday |
sunrise to sunset |
| Sunday |
sunrise to sunset |
Disclaimer: It's important to check the most current information before planning your visit, as opening hours can vary and might be subject to change due to special events, maintenance, or unforeseen circumstances. A reliable way to confirm the opening hours is to contact the local tourism board, check the official website (if available)
Entry Ticket Pricing for Ashoka Pillar
| Adult |
INR 30 |
| Child |
Free |
| Foreign Tourist |
INR 500 |
Disclaimer: Please note that prices are subject to change, cross check required .
Tips when you are visiting to Ashoka Pillar
Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
Wear comfortable footwear as there's a lot of walking involved.
Hiring a guide could enrich your experience with detailed historical insights.
Be respectful of the ancient site and adhere to the rules.
Top 5 Reviews on Ashoka Pillar
Singh_Blog
Wrote on 13th Apr, 2021
Having "National Emblem" One of the very Fine Piece of work , fine precision , now in Ruined stage
More then 2300 years old manufactured stone pillar, Now only ruined pieces ...
Ticket - Compound Single Ticket for all Stupa monuments in complex
Ashoka Pillar of Sanchi (near the southern gateway..
468navins
Wrote on 25th Dec, 2019
Monolithic highly polished stone pillar with a top of four lions
Ashoka Pillar is a monolithic highly polished stone pillar with a top having four lions back to back, was erected during Ashoka's rule about 3rd century BC. It was a heavy pillar which was taken to th..
195payalg
Wrote on 15th Mar, 2019
WorkmanshipðŸ‘
Only the base of the pillar has been left outside. However, being out in full exposure to the elements of nature over millennia has not affected the texture of the pillar to date. This is a sadly for..
arunbvkumar
Wrote on 26th Sep, 2018
Incredible Technology
At present we can see only the base of the pillar and the middle portion is stored near the stupa. The lions on the pillar are in musuem near the stupa. The stone pillar should be felt to undertstand ..
ParwathiH
Wrote on 6th Sep, 2018
Ashoka Pillar
The Ashoka pillar at Sanchi can be seen near the main Stupa. In fact what can be seen of the original pillar is only the base. A part of the pillar with the inscriptions can also be seen close by. The..
