By: Pal Groups Travel Board
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 by 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.
