HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

Vaishali is about 55kms.north of Patna by road across the Ganaga.This place is supposed to be the oldest republic of the world, the Lichchvis.Vaishali is the birth place of Lord Mahavira,the most prominent Jain Tirthankar.He was born here in 527 B.C.Lord Buddha preached his last sermon here and Emperor Ashoka erected a Lion Column to commemorate the occasion.

It is a small village in the state of Bihar which is still a very famous Buddhist pilgrimage in India.Vaishali literally means prosperity and is so apt for this village for it revealed a rich cultural and historical legacy from the excavation done in this area.

HISTORY

According to history,Viashali believed to got its name from King Vishal who belonged to the period of Mahabharat.During the 6th century BC,Vaishali was ruled by the Lichchavi clan.

The another main feature of Lichchavi state is that it is considered to be the first republican state of Asia and it also takes the credit of being ruled by 7707 kings of the Lichchavi clan.Ajatshatru, the great Magadh King, annexed Vaishali in the fifth century BC and after that Vaishali gradually lost its glory and power.The reign of the Lichchavi empire was extended up to the hills of Nepal.

This place has a ruined fort which was built by the King; Vishal.Vishal is a famous pilgrimage sport for it was here Lord Mahavira was born. The feature which adds up to the history of this place is that it was in Vishali Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon at Vaishali and declared his Nirvana and also the second Buddhist council was held in Vishali.

LOCATION

Vaishali in the state of Bihar extends from latitude 25° in the North to longitude 85° in the East.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit this is between the months of October to March.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

The Vaishali Mahotsav which celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira falls in the month of April. Asia's largest cattle fair is held in the town of Sonepur which is situated at a distance of about 35 km from Vaishali.This is popularly known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela.

PLACES OF INTEREST

ASHOKA PILLAR

Ashoka Pillar is of great cultural significance and is situated at Kolhua.This pillar was built by emperor Ashoka and its main feature is that it is built out of a single piece polished red sandstone measuring about 18.3 meters in length. The Ashoka pillar is surmounted by a bell shaped capital. To the vicinity of the pillar there is a small tank known as Ramkund.

BAWAN POKHAR TEMPLE

The Bawan Pokhar Temple houses the images of several Hindu gods. This beautiful shrine is located on the northern bank of Ramkund tankh and was built by one of the Pala kings.

VISHWA SHANTI STUPA

A major attraction in Vaishali is the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (pillar of peace), one of the newest additions to this important site. This monument, built on the south bank of the coronation tank, is one of the highest in the world and has been built in collaboration with the Japanese government by Buddh Vihar Society.

BUDDA STUPA - I

Though this stupa is in a deteriorated state it has of great historical significance, nearly one-eighth of the sacred ashes of the Lord Buddha were enshrined here in a stone casket.

BUDDHA STUPA - II

This stupa was excavated in 1958 where another casket containing the ashes of the Lord Buddha was discovered.

KUNDUPUR

Kundupur located at a distance of about 4kms from Vaishali is believed to be the birth place of Lord Mahavira and he spent nearly 22 years of his initial part of life.

CORONATION TANK

This is a very scared tank for in those days any elected representatives of Vaishali were supposed to have a dip in this water before they wear sworn in. The Coronation Tank is also known as Abhishekh Pushkarni.

SHOPPING

The arts and crafts of Vaishali represent the typical cultural richness of this city. There are several villages in Vaishali that make beautiful clay toys. The Sikki work, various articles which are made of the blade of grass are quite interesting. You can buy baskets and mats made of blade of grass. Lac bangles are also typical of this region.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR

The nearest airport from Vaishali is Patna, 55 km away. One can take flights for Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu, Varanasi, and Lucknow from there.

BY TRAIN

The nearest railhead is Hajipur, 35 km, which is well connected to major cities of India like Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai, and Varanasi by regular trains.

BY ROAD

Roads are the most suitable means to reach Vaishali. There are regular buses for Patna and other cities of North Bihar from Vaishali. Tourist coaches with guides are also available from Patna for a tour of Vaishali.