The Asoka Pillar has a capital of four lions perched on a circular platform, engraved with four small animal figures, i.e. an elephant, a bull, a horse and a lion which are separated by dhammachakka wheels with twenty-four spokes. Whereas the lions are considered to be the protectors of the dhamma, the four animals represent the four ashram or stages in the life of the Buddha. The platform itself rests on an inverted lotus flower, a symbol of Enlightenment.