Vaishali Pillar

The Vaishali Pillar is a red sandstone monument standing about 18 meters tall, constructed from stacked stone blocks fitted together. Its shaft is smooth with no carvings, topped by a lion figure seated on a bell-shaped capital.

The pillar is attributed to Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the 3rd century BCE and likely erected it as part of a larger Buddhist complex. The 7th century traveler Xuanzang documented seeing the monument, providing historical evidence of its existence across centuries.

The pillar stands near ruins of an ancient city that was once a major Buddhist center in the region. The lion carved at the top and lotus flower symbols reflect the spiritual significance this site continues to hold for visitors today.

The monument is located in Kolhua, approximately 65 kilometers northwest of Patna, and is easiest reached by local vehicle or bus from Muzaffarpur railway station. The best time to visit is September through April when weather is mild and comfortable.

Unlike many other Ashoka pillars, this one was assembled from separate stone blocks rather than carved from a single piece. The absence of inscriptions on its shaft distinguishes it from most of its counterparts and makes precise dating challenging.