Lions of Sarnath
The image shows one of the many pillars of Asoka: the Lions of Sarnath. Sarnath is where the Buddha first preached, and these lions placed back to back, facing the four cardinal points (North-South-East-West), echo his teachings to the four quarters of the world, sometimes called ‘the Lion’s Roar’. The wheel or dhammacakra symbolizes Buddhist law and also Asoka’s legitimacy as an enlightened ruler.