Tag: Lion Capital

SUTRA OF THE LION’S ROAR

What is the significance of the four lions depicted in the National Emblem of India? What teachings of Gautam Buddha do these represent? Why did Emperor Ashoka get the statue of these four lions built on the top of the Ashoka pillar? Today, even after almost 2600 years, the embodiment of Buddha’s teachings is a unique example of the richness of the Indian culture.

Recently a controversy has arisen over the “Lion Capital”, the national emblem of India.

The reason for this controversy was the replica of the LionCapital to be installed on top of the newly constructed building of the Parliament of India.

Highlights of the Lion Capital statue to be installed on the roof of the new Parliament building

@ The Lion Capital statue to be installed on the roof of the newly built Parliament House is a replica of the original statue located in the museum of Sarnath, Varanasi.

@ The replica to be installed on the roof of the Parliament House is made of bronze and weighs 16,000 kg. The total height of this replica is 6.5 meters.

@ The replica was made by 100 artisans over a period 9 months. This statue is completely hand made, no machine has been used in its construction.

The controversy behind this statue-:

Major opposition parties mainly Congress and Communist Party are attacking the ruling party over this statue. These political parties say that in the construction of this statue, the four lions have been shown as aggressive, whereas in the Lion Capital statue at Sarnath, the four lions have been shown calm and majestic.

Some people say that these lions seem to be violent and man-eaters.

This dispute increased so much that some people went to the court, well the court rejected this petition, but many people are still angry about this incident.

At first glance, it seems that because of being associated with Buddhism, these four lions must have been depicted with a calm nature in the Original statue.

Are the four lions actually depicted as calm & majestic in the original statue located in the Sarnath Museum?

Close up of Lion Capital in Sarnath Museum. (Wikimedia commons )

In fact, even in the original Lion Capital, the four lions are depicted in an aggressive posture.

All four lion’s mouths are open, sharp teeth, their tongue flapping, protruding veins, heavy mane, their claws sticking out (It is worth noting that lion’s claws are retractable and they come out of their paws only when hunting.) It becomes clear at the very first sight itself that all the four lions are depicted in an aggressive posture.

Now an important question arises here.

There is a lot of emphasis on non-violence in Buddhism, then why are the lions depicted in an aggressive posture in the Lion Capital ?

Along with this it becomes necessary to find answers to some more questions.

@ What does the Lion Capital built by Emperor Ashoka on the top of the pillar symbolize?

@ What teachings of Buddha did Emperor Ashoka consider as the basis for the construction of the Ashoka Pillar?

To answer these questions, we must turn to Buddhist literature and Lion Capital. Fortunately, all of these sources are available in abundance.

IN THE WORDS OF THE BUDDHA HIMSELF

THE SUTRA OF THE LION’S ROAR

A teaching of the Buddha was named the Sutra of the Lion’s Roar by his disciple Ananda. Buddha had emphasized the need of Buddhist organization(known as SANGHA, a BUDDHIST COMMUNITY) under this and highlighted the importance of organization.

SANGHA : Monastic community of bhikkhu (monks )and bhikkuni (nuns) Buddha described Sangha as the community that supports one along the path.

Buddha explained this importance of Sangha by giving the example of rice that joint effort is better than single effort, just as a rice grain has the natural tendency to turn into a rice plant, but for this to happen some other Factors are also required such as: sunlight, soil, water, air etc.

Similarly, a person can also try to attain enlightenment all by himself, but with the help of other people, his/her path becomes easier, so association is necessary for attaining knowledge. According to Buddha, by concerted effort under the Sangha, the wall of ignorance crumbles in the same way as darkness with the advent of light.

After explaining the importance of the Sangha, Buddha described the Sangha as powerful as a lion roaming in the jungle.
According to Buddha, The lion is the king of the jungle, when he comes out of his cave, the message of his arrival spreads in all four directions.
When the lion roars before the hunt, fear prevails in all the animals and all the creatures start hiding.
Birds start flying high on hearing the lion’s roar, crocodiles start searching the depth of water, foxes hide in burrows, even the majestic elephants which are decorated with precious jewels, equipped with golden canopies start running away from the roar.

Sangha is the proclamation of the path of enlightenment like the roar of a lion in the jungle. Buddha says that Sangha is like the roar of a lion. All false ideas and misconceptions lurking in some corner are replaced with the ideas and concerted effort of the Sangh.

The teachings of the Buddha, known as the Sutra of the Lion Roaring, make it clear that the lion that the Buddha portrayed the Sangha as, was a majestic and aggressive one.

Now another question arises as to why did Emperor Ashoka get Buddha’s sermons depicting Sangha like a lion installed on the top of the pillars in the form of idols at Sarnath and some other places?

Not only did Buddha give the first sermon in Varanasi Sarnath, but he also gave the concept of the Buddhist Sangha here and established the Sangha. Later, a huge Buddhist monastery was also established here.

The great Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang, during his visit to India, mentioned the residence of 1500 monks and nuns in this huge Buddhist monastery.

In 1905, during the excavation of Sarnath, the ruins of the Ashoka Pillar were found. A picture from that period shows the Lion Capital, and the section of the pillar bearing Emperor Ashoka’s edict. Presently the top of the pillar is located in the Sarnath Museum and the fragments of the pillar are located in a glass show case among the Sarnath Ruins.

Ashoka Pillar Fragments and the warning of Emperor Ashoka can be seen in Sarnath.

English translation of Emperor Ashoka’s warning It is mentioned by Mr. F.O Oertal. The credit for the archaeological excavations of Sarnath in 1905 and the discovery of the Ashoka pillar goes to Mr. F.O Oertal.

Thus saith the beloved of the Gods announced in the Order of Monks and in the Order of Nuns. The Church (Baudh- Math)is not to be divided But whosoever, monk or nun, shall break up the Church, shall be made to dwell white garments and dwell in a place which is not a residence for the clergy. Thus must this edict be announced in the Order of Monks and in the Order of Nuns…………………

Key points of Emperor Ashoka’s warning

Emperor Ashoka was very upset and worried about the rising trend of rebellion in the Sangha. In order to convey his point clearly to the Buddhist monks and nuns, the emperor got his warning inscribed on a pillar.

The top of the pillar reflects Gautam Buddha’s description of the Sangha as a lion and reflects the majestic qualities of the lion, certainly for this reason, Emperor Ashoka built the Lion Capital on the top of the pillar.

Observing the teachings of Buddha himself in the Buddhist literature and the warning of Emperor Ashoka, which is still inscribed on the Ashoka Pillar and the top of the pillar kept in the museum of Sarnath, there is no doubt that the Lion Capital’s lions are majestic. Depicted in an aggressive and virtuous posture.

If you want to find out the significance of the Ashoka pillar, the carved figure of other animals on the lion capital, the wheel with 32 spokes, the wheel with 24 spokes and the base like a lotus flower? You can check out this blog post that I wrote earlier—– https://nithinks.com/2022/11/23/ashokan-pillar-its-history-and-importance/

Source :- OLD PATH WHITE CLOUDS (THICH NHAT HANH)

BUDDHACARITA (ASHWAGHOSH)

THE ROMANTIC LEGEND OF SHAKYA BUDDHA (FO SO HING TSAN )

20 Fascinating Facts About the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath (Lion Capital)

Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath gives a wonderful opportunity to understand ancient Indian history, every person who wants to understand Indian history must see this divine artwork at least once in their lifetime.

Prerequisite Knowledge

The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is divided into three major parts:

The Pillar

The Lion Capital

The 32-Spoked Wheel

Importantly, there were two types of wheels associated with the pillar:

24-spoked wheel – engraved on the abacus of the Lion Capital.

32-spoked wheel – once placed on the very top of the Lion Capital (fragments found in excavations, preserved in the Sarnath Museum).

The pillar was built around 250 BCE at the site where the Buddha gave his first sermon. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang, visiting in the 7th century CE, described the pillar as “smooth as jade and reflective as a mirror.”

This diagram provides a rough idea of what the pillar might have looked like when Xuanzang visited India during the reign of Harsha Varman, also known as Harshavardhana.

A. The Pillar

The fragments of the Ashoka Pillar are preserved in a glass showcase at Sarnath.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ashoka Pillar

When was the Ashoka Pillar built?

What was the purpose of establishing the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath?

In which language is the warning of Emperor Ashoka written?

Who discovered the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath?

When and how were the Ashoka Pillar, the Lion Capital, and the 32-spoked wheel discovered?

What is the Ashoka Pillar made of?

Is the description of the Ashoka Pillar found in history?

1. Built around 250 BCE by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon.

2. Purpose: To warn monks and nuns against divisive tendencies within Buddhism.

3. Inscription language: Prakrit, written in Brahmi script.

4. Discovery: Excavated in 1904–1905 near Dhamek Stupa.

5. Discoverer: F. O. Ortel led the archaeological excavations.

6. Material: Made of Chunar sandstone, 40 km from Varanasi.

7. Historical testimony: Xuanzang (627–643 CE) praised its brilliance, calling it a shining pillar “over 70 feet tall.”

The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath stands as one of the finest examples of Mauryan craftsmanship and imperial vision. Built around 250 BCE by Emperor Ashoka, it was erected at the sacred site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon.

More than a monument, the pillar carried a moral purpose: to warn monks and nuns against divisions within the Buddhist community and to uphold the unity of the Dhamma.

The inscription, written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, still echoes this message today.

Carved from polished Chunar sandstone, the pillar reflects the sophistication of Mauryan artistry, boasting a smooth, mirror-like finish.

During his travels in the 7th century CE, the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang described it as rising over seventy feet high, “smooth as jade and reflective as a mirror,” a testimony to its grandeur.

Rediscovered during the 1904–1905 excavations led by F. O. Ortel, the pillar continues to inspire awe and reverence.

B. The Lion Capital

Lion Capital was found in the archaeological excavation of Sarnath in 1905.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lion Capital

Where is the Lion Capital currently kept?

What do the 4 Asiatic lions of the Lion Capital roaring in all four directions symbolize?

Why are the four lions shown in an aggressive posture in the Lion Capital?

When was the Lion Capital accepted as the National Emblem of India?

Why did the committee choose the Lion Capital as the national symbol of India?

How is the Lion Capital a symbol of India’s glorious history and culture?

Which animals are depicted on the abacus at the base of the Lion Capital?

How many wheels are there on the abacus?

What do the animals on the Lion Capital represent?

What do the four wheels with 24 spokes engraved between the animals on the abacus symbolize?

8. Current location: Archaeological Museum, Sarnath.

9. Four lions: Facing four directions, symbolizing the spread of Buddha’s teachings.

1O. Aggressive posture: Reflects Ashoka’s warning and authority.

11. National emblem: Adopted as India’s emblem on 26 January 1950.

12. Chosen as a symbol: Reflected peace, coexistence, and India’s cultural depth.

13. Cultural significance: Witness to India’s history, a masterpiece of Mauryan art.

14. Animals on the abacus: Lion, bull, horse, elephant.

15. Wheels on the abacus: Four wheels with 24 spokes, between the animals.

16. Symbolism of animals:

    • Lion → Shakyasimha (lion of the Shakya clan)
    • Elephant → Buddha’s conception dream (Queen Maya)
    • Horse → Royal power & Buddha’s renunciation
    • Bull → Buddha’s birth sign (Taurus)

    17. 24-spoked wheel meaning: Represents the twenty-four teachings of Buddhism; also appears on India’s national flag.

      The Lion Capital of Ashoka, now preserved in the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath, is widely regarded as the finest achievement of Mauryan sculpture.

      Carved from a single block of polished Chunar sandstone, it features four majestic lions seated back-to-back, facing the four cardinal directions.

      This design symbolizes the universal spread of the Buddha’s teachings. Their assertive posture also reflects Emperor Ashoka’s authority and reinforces the warning inscribed on the pillar below.

      The abacus at the base carries rich symbolism: a lion, a bull, a horse, and an elephant—each linked to key moments in Buddha’s life and teachings. Between these animals are four wheels, each with twenty-four spokes, representing the eternal cycle of the Dharma.

      This same wheel later inspired the Ashoka Chakra on India’s national flag. Adopted as India’s national emblem on 26 January 1950, the Lion Capital embodies peace, coexistence, and the cultural continuity of India’s timeless heritage.

      C. WHEEL OF THE MORAL LAW (32-spoke wheel )

      Frequently Asked Questions about the WHEEL OF THE MORAL LAW

      18. Where is the thirty-two-spoked wheel kept at present?

      19. What does the wheel with 32 spokes represent?

      20. How does the Ashoka Pillar reflect the tendencies of the artists of that period?

      Present location: Fragments preserved at Sarnath Museum.

      Meaning: Represents 32 Mahapurush Lakshan (characteristics of great beings) in Buddhist literature.

      Artistic significance: The pillar reflects the high artistic skills and spiritual symbolism of Mauryan craftsmanship.

      The fragments of the 32-spoked wheel of the Ashoka Pillar are today preserved in the Sarnath Museum.

      Though only remains survive, their meaning is profound. In Buddhist literature, this wheel represents the 32 Mahapurush Lakshan, the noble characteristics of great beings like the Buddha.

      It is not just a broken piece of stone but a symbol of deep spiritual wisdom. The design also highlights the artistic brilliance of Mauryan craftsmen, who blended art with philosophy. Even in its incomplete form, the wheel continues to inspire, reminding us of India’s ancient tradition where faith, art, and knowledge were one.

      For detailed information on Ashoka Pillar please visit: https://nithinks.com/2021/11/22/ashokan-pillar-its-history-and-importance/

      When Ashoka’s Lions Roared Again: The Symbol That Shaped Independent India

      In 1905, two powerful events unfolded in the timeless Hindu city of Varanasi, and together they lit a spark that would help change India’s destiny.

      In that single year, the sacred soil of Varanasi witnessed both the historic Banaras Session of the Indian National Congress and the extraordinary discovery of the Lion Capital at Sarnath. One event awakened political courage, the other revived cultural pride. Side by side, they stirred the sleeping spirit of the nation and helped shape the rising wave of Indian nationalism.

      The Lion Capital and the Rise of Indian National Pride

      In the year 1905, two remarkable events took place in the ancient and sacred city of Varanasi, which would silently shape the course of India’s future.

      (I)

      The first was the Banaras Session of the Indian National Congress, where national leaders called upon the people to support the Swadeshi Movement — a movement urging Indians to boycott foreign goods and revive indigenous industries.

      (II)

      The second, though seemingly an archaeological event, was no less significant — the discovery of the Lion Capital at Sarnath, built by Emperor Ashoka more than two thousand years ago.

      These two moments — one political and the other historical — came together like two flames merging into a single fire of awakening.

      The Congress session reminded Indians of the need for action and unity, while the Lion Capital whispered from the soil of history, reminding them of their ancient greatness.

      A Voice from the Soil of Sarnath

      When British archaeologists unearthed the Lion Capital in Sarnath in 1905, they did not know they had uncovered more than a sculpture — they had unearthed a nation’s pride.

      The polished sandstone sculpture, featuring four majestic lions standing back-to-back atop a circular abacus, was a masterpiece of Mauryan craftsmanship. Each lion faced a different direction, symbolizing power, courage, and confidence radiating to every corner of the world.

      Beneath them was the Dharmachakra, the Wheel of Law, with twenty-four perfectly spaced spokes, representing truth, justice, and righteousness. Alongside the wheel were carvings of a bull, horse, elephant, and lion, symbolizing strength, energy, wisdom, and pride — the noble virtues of Indian civilization.

      This grand creation stood on a bell-shaped lotus, symbolizing purity and enlightenment rising from the mud of ignorance. Today, this very sculpture — perfectly preserved and displayed at the Sarnath Museum — continues to inspire millions.

      The Symbol That Awakened a Sleeping Nation

      India in 1905 was still under British rule, a time when foreign powers not only controlled its land but also attempted to weaken its spirit.

      People were losing confidence in their culture, language, and traditions. But when the Lion Capital was rediscovered, it was as if India’s buried soul had spoken again.

      The four lions seemed to roar: “Your land was once a beacon of peace, strength, and wisdom. Remember who you are.”

      The message struck a deep chord in people’s hearts. At a time when national leaders were urging Indians to believe in themselves and resist foreign control, the Lion Capital stood as living proof that India had once been the cradle of one of the greatest civilizations on earth.

      In the same year, the Swadeshi Movement encouraged Indians to produce their own goods and depend on their own skills.

      The Lion Capital complemented this spirit perfectly — it reminded everyone that Indian artisans, thousands of years ago, had achieved levels of perfection in art and geometry that the world still admired.

      Together, these two events became a turning point. The political energy of the Swadeshi Movement and the historical pride rekindled by the Lion Capital gave rise to a new wave of national consciousness.

      Rediscovering India’s Glorious Past

      For centuries, India’s rich history had been neglected or misrepresented. Many people had begun to believe that India had always been weak, divided, or dependent on outsiders.

      The discovery of the Lion Capital shattered that myth. It proved that long before foreign invasions and colonial rule, India had been a land of power, peace, and progress.

      The Lion Capital was built by Emperor Ashoka, one of the greatest rulers in human history, who chose peace over war.

      Through his inscriptions and pillars, he spread the message of dharma, or righteous living, across Asia. His empire stretched from Afghanistan to Bengal — and yet, his greatest conquest was not of territory but of the human heart.

      The Lion Capital became a silent teacher. Its lions roared not for conquest but for moral strength. Its wheel spun not for power but for justice. Its lotus bloomed not for show but for purity. In every curve and carving lies the timeless values of India — compassion, wisdom, and unity.

      A Symbol Reborn

      When India achieved independence in 1947, the newly formed government sought an emblem that could represent the nation’s spirit — something that embodied truth, justice, peace, and power. The choice was clear.

      On January 26, 1950, the Lion Capital of Ashoka was adopted as the National Emblem of India. The Ashoka Chakra, taken from the same sculpture, found its place at the center of the national flag. Its 24 spokes became symbols of eternal progress, reminding citizens that the wheel of dharma must never stop turning.

      Today, the Lion Capital stands tall on government buildings, coins, passports, and official documents — a reminder of India’s moral and cultural heritage. Whenever we see the emblem or the Ashoka Chakra, we are reminded of the values it represents — truth, compassion, service, and unity.

      A Legacy That Still Roars

      The Lion Capital is more than stone — it is India’s spirit carved in rock. From the peaceful sands of Sarnath, it speaks to every Indian heart: “Walk the path of righteousness, stay united, and be proud of your heritage.”

      Even after more than two millennia, its message remains alive. The lions still roar for courage. The wheel still turns for truth. And the lotus still blooms for purity.

      The Lion Capital continues to guide India — a symbol born in ancient times, rediscovered in the age of freedom, and still glowing in the heart of every Indian as a timeless emblem of pride, wisdom, and peace.