Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar Historical Site
Ancient Ashoka pillar and Buddhist inscription site
The Lauriya‑Areraj Ashoka Pillar in Bihar preserves an inscribed Mauryan pillar erected under Emperor Ashoka; visitors study its inscriptions, Mauryan history and archaeological setting.
Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar at a Glance#
Address: Lauriya-Areraj, East Champaran district, Bihar, India
Hours: Open daylight hours
Admission: Free (on-site)
About Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar#
Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar is an ancient polished sandstone pillar located near the village of Lauriya-Areraj in the state of Bihar, India, and is one of several pillars associated with Emperor Ashoka. The pillar dates to the Mauryan period and carries inscriptions attributed to Ashoka from the 3rd century BCE.
The pillar’s main point of interest is the inscribed edict in Brahmi script giving moral and administrative instructions of Ashoka’s government; the artifact is of archaeological and epigraphic significance. Visitors come to view the standing pillar and its carved inscription rather than large onsite museum displays.
The pillar was erected under Emperor Ashoka during the Maurya Empire and forms part of Ashoka’s program of inscribing edicts across the subcontinent to communicate imperial policies and Buddhist-influenced moral guidance. Over time the pillar has been studied by archaeologists and epigraphists who have documented its script and language.
Geographically the pillar stands in northern Bihar on the Gangetic plain near the local settlement of Lauriya-Areraj; it is accessible from regional roads within Bihar and sits in an agricultural and rural landscape.
- Date and inscription: Erected in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka and bears edict inscriptions in the Brahmi script.
How to Get to Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar#
Lauriya-Areraj is in East Champaran district, Bihar. The nearest major railheads include Motihari; from there, local roads and taxis reach the site. Patna (approx. 150-200 km away) is the nearest major city with frequent rail and air connections; hire local transport for the final leg.
Tips for Visiting Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar#
- Photography of the pillar should be done respectfully - it is a cultural and archaeological monument.
- Combine with a visit to nearby archaeological sites in the region for context on Ashoka's inscriptions.
- Local guides can explain the pillar's inscriptions and survey history in more depth.
Best Time to Visit Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar#
Winter months (November-February) are the most comfortable for visiting historical sites in Bihar.
Weather & Climate near Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar#
Lauriya-Areraj Ashoka Pillar's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 9° - 23° | 16° | 20 mm | some cloud | 52% | 0.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| February | Ideal | 11° - 26° | 18° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 1.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 32° | 24° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 32% | 1.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 21° - 37° | 29° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 27% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Excellent | 24° - 37° | 31° | 35 mm | mostly sunny | 35% | 2.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.3h |
| June | Good | 26° - 35° | 32° | 178 mm | partly cloudy | 51% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 33° | 34° | 297 mm | overcast | 77% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 35° | 297 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.9h |
| September | Good | 25° - 32° | 34° | 197 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 57 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 0.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 14° - 28° | 21° | 5 mm | clear | 62% | 0.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 10° - 24° | 17° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 0.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.4h |