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Ashoka Pillar (near Southern Gateway)
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India
The Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi is one of the most celebrated and historically significant monolithic pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, during his extensive efforts to propagate Buddhism across his empire. Although the pillar itself stands broken near the Southern Gateway of the Great Stupa, its most famous component, the magnificent Four-Lion Capital, is now preserved in the Sanchi Archaeological Museum. This capital, depicting four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, is a masterpiece of Mauryan art, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, lustrous polish (known as Mauryan polish), and symbolic power. The complete pillar originally stood approximately 42 feet tall, carved from a single block of highly polished Chunar sandstone. It was crowned by the Lion Capital, which in turn supported a Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law). The pillar bore an Ashokan edict, an inscription from the emperor himself, urging monks and nuns to prevent schism within the Buddhist Sangha. The Lion Capital's design, with the four lions symbolizing power, courage, pride, and confidence, sitting on an abacus adorned with a frieze of sculptures including an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by dharma chakras, is iconic. This capital was later adopted as the National Emblem of India, reflecting its profound cultural and historical significance. While the actual pillar standing at the site is a fragment, it still evokes a sense of its original grandeur and Ashoka's monumental vision. Visiting the site and then the museum allows for a complete appreciation of this crucial piece of Indian heritage.
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    Entry Fees:
    Included with the entry ticket to the main Sanchi complex to see the remnants of the pillar. The full Lion Capital is in the Archaeological Museum, which has a separate entry fee. ...
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    Included with the entry ticket to the main Sanchi complex to see the remnants of the pillar. The full Lion Capital is in the Archaeological Museum, which has a separate entry fee.
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    Timing:
    6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily for the site. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the museum (closed Fridays). ...
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    6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily for the site. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the museum (closed Fridays).
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    How To Reach:
    Easily accessible on foot within the Sanchi monument complex, near the Southern Gateway. The museum is at the foothills. ...
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Ashoka Pillar (near Southern Gateway) Tourism:-

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Information about New and Updated Locations(639+) of Madhya Pradesh Has Been Added :-
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