The site contains a number of stupas as well as natural caves for monks. In the caves many Buddhist graffiti have been found (
swastika,
triratna,
kalasa ...). In the main cave were found two inscriptions of
Ashoka: a version of the
Minor Rock Edict n°1, one of the
Edicts of Ashoka, and another inscription mentioning the visit of Piyadasi (honorific name used by
Ashoka in his inscriptions) as Maharahakumara (Prince).[1][2]
"The king, who (now after consecration) is called "Piyadasi", (once) came to this place for a pleasure tour while still a (ruling) prince, living together with his unwedded consort."
— Commemorative Inscription of the visit of Ashoka, Saru Maru. Translated by Falk.[3][4]
According to the inscription, it would seem that
Ashoka visited this Buddhist monastic complex while he was still a prince, and viceroy of the region of
Madhya Pradesh, while his residence was to be at
Vidisha.[1] In the Buddhist tradition, Ashoka's wife was called Vidishadevi.
Small stupas on the hill of Saru Maru.
An inscription of Ashoka in one of the Saru Maru caves. It is a portion of
Minor Rock Edict No.1.[5]
View of the Minor Edicts in-situ
Full commemorative inscription
Commemorative inscription of Ashoka from Saru Maru,
Madhya Pradesh.
The king, who (now after consecration) is called "Piyadasi", (once) came to this place for a pleasure tour while still a (ruling) prince, living together with his unwedded consort.
— Commemorative Inscription of the visit of Ashoka, Saru Maru. Translated by Falk.[6]
Piyadasi nāma
rajakumala va
samvasamane
imam desam papunitha
vihara(ya)tay(e)
The site contains a number of stupas as well as natural caves for monks. In the caves many Buddhist graffiti have been found (
swastika,
triratna,
kalasa ...). In the main cave were found two inscriptions of
Ashoka: a version of the
Minor Rock Edict n°1, one of the
Edicts of Ashoka, and another inscription mentioning the visit of Piyadasi (honorific name used by
Ashoka in his inscriptions) as Maharahakumara (Prince).[1][2]
"The king, who (now after consecration) is called "Piyadasi", (once) came to this place for a pleasure tour while still a (ruling) prince, living together with his unwedded consort."
— Commemorative Inscription of the visit of Ashoka, Saru Maru. Translated by Falk.[3][4]
According to the inscription, it would seem that
Ashoka visited this Buddhist monastic complex while he was still a prince, and viceroy of the region of
Madhya Pradesh, while his residence was to be at
Vidisha.[1] In the Buddhist tradition, Ashoka's wife was called Vidishadevi.
Small stupas on the hill of Saru Maru.
An inscription of Ashoka in one of the Saru Maru caves. It is a portion of
Minor Rock Edict No.1.[5]
View of the Minor Edicts in-situ
Full commemorative inscription
Commemorative inscription of Ashoka from Saru Maru,
Madhya Pradesh.
The king, who (now after consecration) is called "Piyadasi", (once) came to this place for a pleasure tour while still a (ruling) prince, living together with his unwedded consort.
— Commemorative Inscription of the visit of Ashoka, Saru Maru. Translated by Falk.[6]
Piyadasi nāma
rajakumala va
samvasamane
imam desam papunitha
vihara(ya)tay(e)