The Divyavadana is a Sanskrit anthology of Buddhist avadana tales. They have originated in Mulasarvastivadin vinaya texts. It is dated to 2nd century CE.
Lion was one of the motifs used in Ashokan pillars. Lion is a solar symbol and it also represents the Buddha, as he is referred to as Sakyasimha which also means a lion among the Sakyas.
EXAMIANS