Vaishali Travel Guide
Vaishali has emerged as a historical and scenic place, associated with
Buddha and Jain Tirthankars. It is considered to be the birthplace of
Jain Tirthankar, Mahavira, by the Swetambar sect of Jains.The town
derives its name from King Vishal, whose heroic deeds are narrated in
the Hindu epic Ramayana. It was here that Buddha preached his last
sermon and announced his approaching Nirvana. It is the worldps first
democracy with a duly elected council - Vajji. The Lord Buddha visited
Vaishali more than once during his lifetime and announced his
approaching Mahaparinirvana to the great followers he had here. Hundred
years after he attained Mahaparinirvana, it was the venue of the second
Buddhist Council. According to one belief, the Jain Tirthankar, Lord
Mahavir was born at Vaishali.
Getting There:
By Air : Vaishali is linked to Patna, 60 kms. away, by
the 5.5 kms. long Mahatma Gandhi Bridge across the Ganga.
By Rail :Nearest Railway Station is Hajpur, 35 kms.
away.
By Road: It is linked by good all weather roads to
Gorakhpur and other towns of UP.
Tourist Attractions:
Kolhua
Kolhua is the first important place when one starts exploring Vaishali.
There is a huge iron pillar beside a brick stupa here, believed to be
constructed by King Ashoka. The pillar was constructed to commemorate
the last sermon of the Buddha here. Near the pillar are ruins of a
monastery and a large tank where the Buddha used to reside during his
stay here.
The Vaishali Museum
The Vaishali Museum is a great place for the tourists interested in
archeology. The museum houses an array of remains discovered at the
various sites in Vaishali. Close to the museum is a circular tin shed
covering the remnants of the stupa, which once housed the Buddha’s
funeral ashes.
Abhishek Pushkarani or the coronation tank of the
Lichchavi’s
At one side of the museum is the Abhishek Pushkarani or the coronation
tank of the Lichchavi’s. A little distance away is Raja Vishal Ka
Garh, an excavated site believed to be the remains of the ancient
parliament house where the federal assembly of the Lichchavi government
gathered to discuss and regulate the ancient republic.
The Bawan Pokhar Temple
The Bawan Pokhar Temple, built during the Pala period, stands on the
northern bank of a tank known as Bawan Pokhar and enshrines beautiful
images of several Hindu gods.
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.
