Kolhua Ashokan Pillarकोल्हुआ अशोक स्तंभ
The only Ashokan lion pillar still standing complete where Ashoka set it. The core of Buddhist Vaishali.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereVaishali, Bihar
Mithila
Mithila
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March and 20 April to 20 May
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed2 hrs
Base and nearbyKolhua, Hajipur
EntryASI ₹25
About Kolhua Ashokan Pillar
The one Ashokan pillar in India that still stands complete where it was raised, with its single lion capital facing north towards Kushinagar, where the Buddha died. Around it are the brick Ananda stupa, rows of small votive stupas, a monastery and the Markata Hrida, the tank the monkeys are said to have dug for the Buddha. The Buddha spent his last rains retreat at Vaishali and gave his final sermon to the Licchavis near here.
What to see and do
- The intact lion pillar
- Ananda stupa
- The monkey tank, Markata Hrida
- Votive stupas and monastery ruins
- The last rains retreat of the Buddha
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Vaishali
- Buddha Relic StupaVaishali, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe Licchavis' stupa over their share of the Buddha's ashes, found intact in 1958.
- Buddha Samyak Darshan MuseumVaishali, Bihar · MuseumsThe 2025 stupa complex where Vaishali's Buddha relics finally came home from Patna.
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa, VaishaliVaishali, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageA Japanese peace pagoda on the coronation tank, the place to end a Vaishali day at sunset.
- Abhishek Pushkarini and Raja Vishal ka GarhVaishali, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe coronation tank and assembly mound of the Licchavi republic, Vaishali's ancient ground plan.
- Konhara GhatVaishali, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesWhere the Gandak meets the Ganga at Hajipur, and the elephant and crocodile legend began.
- Kundalpur, BasokundVaishali, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesThe Vaishali claim to Mahavira's birthplace, a quiet Jain shrine near the Buddhist ruins.
- Nepali Chhawani MandirVaishali, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesA wooden Kathmandu-style pagoda temple built by Nepali soldiers in Hajipur.
- Vaishali Archaeological MuseumVaishali, Bihar · MuseumsThe four-room ASI museum that explains the mounds of Vaishali. Closed Fridays.
All places in Vaishali · All places in Bihar
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.