Ashokan Pillar Tourism

The Ashokan Pillar in Vaishali, Bihar, is an ancient historical monument built by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, which ruled from 322 to 185 BCE. Vaishali was chosen by Emperor Ashoka to erect one of his famous lion pillars, marking the increasing influence of Buddhist ideology. The city of Vaishali is of great importance in both Jain and Buddhist religions, as it is considered the birthplace of Lord Mahavira and the place where Buddha delivered his last sermon. The Ashokan Pillar at Vaishali is made of a single piece of red sandstone and is topped with a lion capital. However, unlike its counterpart in Sarnath, the Vaishali lion capital is not polished and lacks the Mauryan polish. It was here that the second Buddhist council was held after the death of the Buddha. Today, this pillar stands as a testament to the remarkable history of imperial patronage and religious legacy in ancient India, drawing in numerous visitors interested in archaeology, history, and spirituality.