Location: Vaishali is
situated 35 Km from Hazipur and 55 km from Patna, Bihar.
Tourist Attractions: Ashokan Pillar, Bawan Pokhar
Temple, Buddha Stupa-I, Buddha Stupa-II, Raja Vishal ka Garh, Shanti Stupa,
Kundupur, Coronation Tank.
Best Buys: The city has not much to offer, but 100 km
ahead is Madhubani, famous for its paintings with same name.
Festivals: The Vaishali Mahotsav in April celebrates the
birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.
Nearest Tourist Destinations: Patna, Rajgir, Bodhgaya,
Madhubani.
When to Visit: The best time to visit this place is
October to March.
About Vaishali
One of Buddha's favourite resort, Vaishali, is said to be named after King
Vishal, a ruler during the times of Ramayana. There exists a large, but a
ruined fort, which is believed to be built by King Vishal. The city was
ruled by the Lichchavis till 6th century BC. The Lichchavi state is said to
be among world's first republics.
The
city was a major industrial center and an important town under the control
of the Lichchavis. Ajatshatru, the great Magadh King, annexed Vaishali in
the fifth century BC and after that Vaishali gradually lost its glory and
power.
Vaishali, the birthplace of Lord Vardhman Mahavira, last Tirthankar of
Jainism, is equally sacred for the Buddhists. Lord Buddha gave his last
preaching in this city and announced his Mahaprayan. In tribute to Buddha,
king Ashoka erected a pillar (Famous lion pillar) here. 100 years after the
death of Lord Buddha, the second great Buddhist council was held here. Two
stupas were made in remembrance of the event. Today Vaishali is a small town
and is surrounded by mango and banana groves.
Major Tourist Attractions in Vaishali
Ashokan Pillar
The Lion Pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. Made of single
piece of red sandstone, the pillar is capped by a 18 m high bell shaped
capital. On the top is kept a life-size figure of lion.
Bawan Pokhar Temple
A Hindu temple, Bawan Pokhar temple is situated on the banks of a lake
called Bawan Pokhar. The old temple, built during Pala period, enshrines
beautiful images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Buddha Stupa 1 and 2
The Buddha Stupas were created in the name of the second Buddhist council.
The outer stupa has a stone box, which has one-eighth of lord Buddha's
ashes. The inner stupa was excavation in 1958 and it also held a stone box
containing some part the ashes of the Lord Buddha.
Raja Vishal ka Garh
The fort of King Vishal is in ruins today. A huge platform here, which has
a circumference of about one Kilometre and walls nearly 2m high with a 43m
wide moat, is said to be the parliament house of King Vishal. More than
seven thousands representatives could stand here to discuss the issues.
Coronation Tank
An excavated site, this place is believed as an ancient parliament house of
the Lichchavi government. The water of the tank was used to anoint the
selected representatives. It is located near the Raja Vishal ka Garh.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport from Vaishali is the Loknayak Jai Prakash
International Airport, Patna, situated 55 km away.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Hajipur, situated 35 km, which is well
connected to the major cities of India.
Road: Roads are the most suitable means to reach Vaishali. There are
regular buses for Vaishali from Patna and other major cities of Bihar.
Accommodation
Vaishali do not offer very good stay options, so majority of tourists stay
in Patna. Accommodations are available in the Tourist Bunglows and Tourist
Youth Hostels of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
