Vaishali has a past that pre-dates recorded history. It is located in Bihar, India. It is held that the town derives its name from king Vishal, whose heroic deeds are narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana. However, history records that around the time Pataliputra was the centre of political activity in the Gangetic plains, Vaishali came into existence as centre of industry and trade. Lying on the north bank of the Ganga, it was the seat of the Republic of Vajji. Vaishali is credited with being the World’s First republic to have a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration.
The Lord Buddha visited Vaishali more than once during his life time and announced his approaching Mahapariniravana to the great followers he had here.
Hundred year after he attained Mahapariniravana, it was the venue of the second Buddhist council. According to one belief, the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born at Vaishali. The Chinese traveller Fa-Hien and hieun Tsang also visited this place in early 5th and 7th centuries respectively and wrote about Vaishali.
While talking of the famous men and women associated with Vaishali, Ampravali was the cynosure not only of Vaishali but of the neighbouring kingdoms as well.
Therefore, to avert bloodshed, the parliament of Vaishali declared her to be Court Dancer besides consigning her to lifelong spinsterhood. Later she became devout Buddhist and served the Lord Buddha.

Tourist Places to visit in Vaishali are : –

Ashokan Pillar

The lion pillar at Kolhua, was built by Emperor Ashoka. It is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by a bell shaped capital, 18.3 m high. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund. It is among top of thetourist places to visit in Vaishali.

 

 

 

Bawan Pokhar Temple

An old temple built in the Pala period stands on the northern bank of a tank known as Bawan Pokhar and enshrines beautiful images of several Hindu gods.

 

Buddha Stupa – I

The exterior of this stupa which is now in a dilapidated condition has a plain surface. One eighth of the sacred ashes of the Lord Buddha were enshrined here in a stone casket.

Buddha Stupa – II
Excavation at this site in 1958 led to the discovery of another casket containing the ashes of the Lord Buddha.

 

 

 

Raja Vishal Ka Garh

A huge mound with a circumference about one kilometer and walls nearly 2 m high with a 43 m wide moat around them, is said to be the ancient parliament house. Over seven thousand representatives of the federal assembly gathered here to legislate and discuss the problem of the day. It is among top of the tourist places to visit in Vaishali.

 

 

 

 

Shanti Stupa
On the south bank of the coronation Tank built by Buddha Vihar Society.

Kundalpur (Birth place of Lord Mahavira)

4 km. It is believed that the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born over 2550 years ago. Mahavir is said to have been spent the first 22 years of his life here.

 

 

 

 

 

Coronation Tank
Coronation tank or Abhishekh Pushkarni, its water were believed to be sacred in the old days and all of Vaishali’s elected representatives were appointed here before their swearing in.

 

 

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Chaumukhi Mahadeva, Harikatora Temple, Lotus Tank and Miranji-Ki-Dargah, Jain Temple etc.

Vaishali Mahotsava
Vaishali Mahotsava is held to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir on the full moon day of the month of “Vaishakh” (mid April).

Sonepur Fair
35 km.One of the astonishing cattle fairs to be held in Asia in terms of its size and scale. The sleepy little town of Sonepur is thrown into a frenzy on Kartik Purnima, a fortnight after Diwali as people from all over the world congregate to participate in this huge event. It has all fun and colour of a huge festival and is enjoyed by all.
During the period Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation provides facilities in traditional huts. It is among top of thetourist places to visit in Vaishali.

Art and Crafts
Several villages around Vaishali make delightful home made clay toys.
Sikki work the humble blade of grass is hand-woven into delightful baskets and mats. Lac Bangles. These handmade lac bangles come from nearby city Muzaffarpur.

More Tourist Places to Visit in Bihar