Vaishali today is a small village known for its historical past. The epic Ramayana tells the story of the heroic King Vishal who ruled here. Historians maintain that one of the world's first democratic republics with an elected assembly of representatives flourished here in the 6th century.

Vaishali, on the left bank of the Gandak river, is spiritually supreme : Lord Buddha visited this place frequently and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon. One of the famous lion pillars have been erected here by Emperor Ashoka. A hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha - Vaishali hosted the second great Buddhist council. Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, for in 527 B.C., Lord Mahavir was born here and lived in Vaishali till he was 22. Vaishali is then twice blessed and remains an important pilgrim centre for both Buddhists and Jains and other religions also.

Places to See in Vaishali :

Vaishali Museum : From Kolhua, drive back to the Vaishali museum, which houses archaeological remains discovered at various sites in Vaishali. (A better collection of terracotta figurines, pottery inscribed seals, vessels, coins, ornaments, clay toys can be seen at Patna Museum) Some polished and well cut stone weights in the multiples of 1: 2: 4: 8: 16 together with seals of the guild of traders and bankers adds to the economy and trade links of Vaishali. Close to the museum is circular tin shed to arouse your curiosity. One may dismiss it as a rain shelter amidst a small park but thanks to the board that speaks all about the remains of a stupa under the shed which once housed the Buddha’s funeral ashes which were found in a casket buried in the relic chamber along with a beautiful terra-cotta head of the Buddha.

The Cremation of Lord Buddha : History records that after the cremation of Lord Buddha by the Mallas of Kushinagra, his ashes were divided among the six heads of state (Ajatashatru of Magadha, Shakyas of Kapilavastu, Bulis of Alikappa, Koliyas of Ramagrama, Brahmin of Vethadipa and Lichchhavis of Vaishali) and the two mallas of Kushinagra and Pawa. The Lichchhavis received 1/8 of his ashes and they buried it here under the mud stupa which was later enlarged by the Mauryas, Sungas and Kushans.

Coronation Tank : On the other front of the museum is the Abhishekh Pushkarni or the Coronation Tank of the Lichchhavis which provided water for ceremonial sprinkling. Vaishali’s elected representatives were anointed here before their swearing in. The water of this tank was scrupulously guarded against pollution by people not belonging to the royal families. There are references to a Magadhan commander in chief who was hotly pursued by the Lichchhavi kings for having bathed his wife in it. The original tank of the Lichchhavis must have been a smaller one which appears to have been subsequently enlarged.

The Attraction of Ponds : Vaishali was rich in ponds and no less than 52 ponds are believed to have enchanced the beauty of this republic. Most of them have dried up but others survive with a bit of history floating amidst them. Ghordaur Pokhar located around the boundary of Basrah and Chakramdas is supposed to be the venue for horse races in ancient Vaishali. Bawan Pokhar continues to be a picturesque sight with a few boats drifting against the cluster of white and pink lotuses. Further ahead is the Lotus Tank where there is a still greater profusion of lotuses. The panorama here simply glorifies the profile of the ancient city. This place was popular with the Lichchchhavis as their picnic spot.

The Temple : Around Bawan Pokhar is an old temple housing a rich collection of black basalt Hindu images dating back to the Gupta and Pala periods. Similar statue but that of a Tirthankara can be seen in the adjoining Jain temple. A little distance away is the Harikatora temple, famous for the image of Kartikeya (a south Indian deity), seated on the peacock which is another fine example of Gupta art. An interesting four headed Shivling called Chaumukhi Mahadev belonging to the fourth century AD lies few kilometres from the tourist bungalow.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa : On one side of the Abhishek Pushkarni is the newly built Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Stupa) that adds to the glory of Vaishali. It is sixth in the series to be created in India after Rajgir, Dhauli, Leh, Wardha and Darjeeling by Nipponzan Myohoji under the guidance of Rev.Fuji guruji of Japan. The 125 feet tall peace pagoda, inaugurated on Oct 23, 1996, was constructed over the ruins of the sixth century BC stupa that also contained the casket with the ashes of Buddha. Buddha is believed to have preached his last sermon here which was the sixteenth chapter, Saddharmapundarika Sutra.

Raja Vishal ka Garh : Another important landmark is the Raja Vishal ka Garh

Raja Vishal ka Garh : An excavated site (a kilometre in circumference ) that is believed to be the remains of the ancient parliament house where the federal assembly gathered to discuss and regulate the ancient republic. The original building can hardly be construed but it is believed to have an eight feet high wall with 140 feet deep moat around it and was approached by a broad embanked causeway from the south. Remains of the defence walls can be seen around the village of Konsa and Dharahara, about 2km south of Raja Visala ka Garh.

How To Reach :

By Air : Nearest airport is Patna, connected to Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.

By Rail : Nearest railhead is Hajipur.

By Road : Patna- 55 kms, Muzaffarpur- 36 kms and Hajipur- 35 kms.

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