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)
![An inscription of Ashoka in one of the Saru Maru caves. It is a portion of Minor Rock Edict No.1.[5]](File:Saru-Maru_Ashoka_inscription.jpg)
