Ashoka Chakra

The Ashoka Chakra is one of the most important emblems of India.This chakra is made up of 24 spokes and is found on the national flag of India.The emblem was originally used by the great Mauryan King Ashoka and is part of the Lion Capital of Ashoka which was erected at different sites during his reign.

This chakra actually represents the fundamental principles of Dharma and is also known as “Dharma Chakra".Dharma is the fundamental virtue emphasized by all Indian religions which stresses on the importance of following the path of righteousness at all times. The chakra is also known as Bhavachakra and it also depicts the 24 hours of a day and the cyclic movement of time.

In Buddhism, the spokes of the wheels represent the fundamental ideologies taught by Buddha after he attained enlightenment. King Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the "Battle Of Kalinga" in which many lives were lost. He propagated Buddhism and  this chakra can be found in all the stupas erected by him.

According to the Hinduism, the 24 spokes represent the 24 great sages who alone can wield the entire power of Gayathri Mantra. These sages reside in the Himalayas and are represented through the 24 letters of the mantra. It can also be interpreted as the 24 values of the religion which are:

1. Love

2. Courage

3. Patience

4. Peacefulness

5. Magnanimity

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Selflessness

10. Self-Control

11. Self Sacrifice

12. Truthfulness

13. Righteousness

14. Justice

15. Mercy

16. Gracefulness

17. Humility

18. Empathy

19. Sympathy

20.Spiritual Knowledge

21. Moral Values

22. Spiritual Wisdom

23. The Fear of God

24. Faith or Belief or Hope

Our National Flag should always be a reminder of the deep meaning behind the emblem on the flag.

"Dharma protects those who preotect Dharma" - Manusmriti

Sources:
http://www.teachindiaproject.org/The_national_emblem_and_Ashoka_Chakra.htm

http://www.ultimatetruthofself.com/higher-consciousness/how-ashoka-chakra-of-the-indian-flag-derived-from-the-dharmachakra-of-the-buddhism

https://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091101012315AAQ5lzM

http://www.boldsky.com/insync/pulse/2008/ashoka-chakra-india-national-emblem-050808.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_Chakra

https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-Ashoka-Chakra-in-the-Indian-flag-have-24-spokes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_Capital_of_Ashoka

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillars_of_Ashoka

http://www.yaymag.com/ashokachakra/

http://konguthendral.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/blog-post.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma