Ashokan Pillar, Kolhua
अशोक स्तंभ, कोल्हुआ
One of the best-preserved Ashokan lion pillars. Together with Ananda Stupa, the Monkey Tank and monastery ruins, it forms the core of Buddhist sites in Vaishali.
The Kolhua site lies about 3 km north of the ancient city of Vaishali. Its centrepiece is a single polished sandstone pillar from around the 3rd century BCE, about 11 metres tall. The lone lion on top faces north, which is said to be the direction the Buddha took on his final journey from Vaishali toward Kushinagar. Compared with other Ashokan pillars, it is remarkably well preserved. Beside it stands the brick Ananda Stupa, said to enshrine relics of Ananda. To the south is the Monkey Tank (Markat Hrad), said to have been dug by monkeys for the Buddha. The area also contains monastery, small stupa and chaitya hall foundations from the Kushan to Gupta periods. It was here that the Buddha announced he would enter nirvana in three months. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Foreign visitors pay about 300 rupees, and it is open from sunrise to sunset. Early morning is recommended for soft light and fewer visitors. From the Peace Pagoda area, a tuk-tuk takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Relic Stupa of Vaishali
- Vaishali Archaeological Museum
- Abhishek Pushkarini
- Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum and Memorial Stupa
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Vaishali
- Raja Vishal ka Garh
- Kesaria Stupa