Vaishali

Encircled by the banana and mango fields as well as fields of rice, Vaishali is a beautiful small village. However, the past archaeological surveys carried out in the region uncovered strong historical connections. Mention of the great King Vishal, who administered over this place, was found in the epic story of Ramayana. The fact that this was one of the very initial democratic republics in the entire world is supported by strong historical facts. During the time when the capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas used to Pataliputra, Vaishali prospered as the business and industrial hub. 

The grandiose Buddhist Monastery with two floors is present in the outer regions of Vaishali. Speeches and sermons were given by Lord Buddha here in a frequent basis. As per the mythological stories, a tank was made by few numbers of monkeys by digging in order to make the stay of Lord Buddha pleasurable. The group of monkey also presented him with a bowl full of honey. According to legends too, this is the place where Buddha’s last sermon was delivered and the declaration of him moving towards nirvana was done.

The relics that have been found in this region are displayed in the Vaishali Museum. The sacred place for the Lichchhavis named the Abhishek Pushkarni is present opposite to the museum. The recently constructed Vishwa Shanti Stupa is present on the lake’s one side.

One of the Columns made by Ashoka is present in Lauria Areraj, which is situated at a distance of 31 Kms from Motihari. Situated at a distance of 23 Kms from Bettiah, another of the Ashokan pillars is present. If one heads another few kilometers from the monolith present in Nandagarh, one can find the majestic stupa made of bricks. The stupa contains the ashes of Buddha is a chest, as per the legends. 

                                       TOURIST PLACES IN VAISHALI

Ashokan Pillar: The Lion Pillar was constructed by the great emperor Ashoka in the place called Kolhua. With the help of a solo piece of red colored stand-stone, this pillar was built. The stand-stone has a high amount of shine. The summit of the pillar contains a life like statue of a lion. Ramkund, which is the name of a not-so-large tank, is also present here.

Bawan Pokhar Temple: On the north side bed of Bawan Pokhar, the ancient temple named the Bawan Pokhar Temple is situated. The origin of the temple can be traced back to the Pala time period. Numerous wonderful pictures of Hindu Gods are present in the temple.

Budha Stupa-I: The outside walls of the stupa have a smooth texture; however, in the present day, the stupa is now is a ruinous state. In another chest made of stone, one eighth portion of Lord Buddha’s ashes was found.

Budha Stupa-II: During the excavation, which was carried out in the year 1958, one more chest was discovered. In the chest, Lord Buddha’s ashes were present.

Abhiskek Pushkarn (Coronation tank): In the ancient times it was believed that holy water was present in this tank. Before their induction into the duties, all of the officials of Vaishali, who were elected, were smeared by this pure water.

Kundalpur: This location is situated at a distance of 4 Km from Vaishali. This is the place where Lord Mahavira was born, which dates back to as much as 2550 years before. As per the tales, it is believed that the initial 22 years of Mahavir’s life was spent here. Mahavira was a Jain Tirthankar. 

Raja Vishal ka Garh: The archaic parliament building contains a large mound, whose circumference is 1 kilometer. The structure also includes walls having altitude of 2 meters and also a moat, whose width is 43 meters. 

Shanti Stupa: The Buddha Vihar Society constructed this architecture on the southern bank of the coronation tank.

                                       HOW TO REACH VAISHALI

By Air: The Patna airport is the closest air terminal to this place. It is located at a distance of 70 Kms from Vaishali.

By Rail: The railway station of Hajipur is situated on the North Eastern Railway Station, which is situated at a distance of 35 Kms from the railway station in Muzaffarpur.

By Road: There are good road links of Vaishali to other places such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, Hazipur and other locations as well.