Photo spot in Sanchi
Ashoka Pillar
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
The remains of a polished sandstone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka, whose lion capital and mirror-like Mauryan finish mark Sanchi's imperial patronage.
Best time
Morning, when soft, low light shows the old polish on the stone and few people are around.
Best angle
Stand a few steps back and take a low-angle photo of the pillar stump with the South Gateway and the dome behind it.
Entry fee
Included
Opening hours
6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ashoka Pillar
Morning, when soft, low light shows the old polish on the stone and few people are around. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ashoka Pillar
Stand a few steps back and take a low-angle photo of the pillar stump with the South Gateway and the dome behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the pillar remains
Near the lion capital (in museum)
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ashoka Pillar
For photos at Ashoka Pillar, cream, ochre and saffron work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Sanchi.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Sanchi.
Eat nearby
Food near Ashoka Pillar
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for bhutte ka kees nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Find the pillar beside the South Gateway of the Great Stupa.
Expect only the lower part of the shaft on the hill, as the rest of the pillar broke long ago.
Look closely at the stone for traces of the polished Mauryan finish.
See the lion capital in the museum at the foot of the hill, which is closed on Fridays.
Photograph the stump with the South Gateway behind it to show where it once stood.
Do not climb on or lean against the pillar.
Visit Temple 17, just behind the South Gateway, on the same walk.
About the Ashoka Pillar
The Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi was set up by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE beside the South Gateway of the Great Stupa. It was cut from sandstone and polished to the mirror-like shine typical of Mauryan stonework, and it carries Ashoka's Schism Edict, which warns monks and nuns against splitting the Buddhist community. Only the lower part of the shaft still stands on the hill today.
The pillar's capital, with four lions seated back to back above a band of carved geese, is now in the Sanchi Archaeological Museum at the foot of the hill. It looks similar to the lion capital from Sarnath, which is the basis of India's national emblem, but it is a separate sculpture. See the stump on the hill and then the capital in the museum to picture the pillar as it once stood.
Questions
Ashoka Pillar — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ashoka Pillar?
Morning, when soft, low light shows the old polish on the stone and few people are around. Stand a few steps back and take a low-angle photo of the pillar stump with the South Gateway and the dome behind it.
Is there an entry fee at Ashoka Pillar?
Entry to Ashoka Pillar is included.
What are the opening hours of Ashoka Pillar?
Ashoka Pillar is open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Ashoka Pillar?
Cream, ochre and saffron photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ashoka Pillar get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when soft, low light shows the old polish on the stone and few people are around.
What food should I try near Ashoka Pillar?
Try bhutte ka kees at spots close by.
What is the Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi?
It is a polished sandstone pillar set up by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE beside the South Gateway of the Great Stupa. Only the lower part of the shaft still stands.
Where is the lion capital of the Sanchi pillar?
The capital, with its four lions seated back to back, is in the Sanchi Archaeological Museum at the foot of the hill. The museum is closed on Fridays.
Is the Sanchi lion capital India's national emblem?
No. India's national emblem is based on a similar lion capital from Sarnath, near Varanasi. The Sanchi capital also has four lions seated back to back, but it is a different sculpture.
What is written on the Ashoka Pillar at Sanchi?
It carries Ashoka's Schism Edict, which warns that monks or nuns who cause splits in the Buddhist community must put on white robes and live apart.