Vaishali is a small district of Bihar, which is also a revered Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worshipping site. The city is an important religious and historical attraction site and is flocked by thousands of tourists year.
Present in the interiors of Bihar, Vaishali is a small district which is also a revered Hindu, Buddhist and Jain worshipping site. The city is the place where Lord Mahavir was born. The city is also famous as Lord Buddha delivered his last sermon. Lord Buddha's last sermon was held here in Vaishali, which marks the town as an extremely significant center for Buddhism. King Ashoka, who embraced Buddhism after the massacre of Kalinga, he decided to erect one of his remarkable pillars here.
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 B.C. in the time of the Vajjis and the Lichchavis. And while Pataliputra, capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas, held political sway over the Gangetic plain, Vaishali was the center for trade and industry.
Vaishali is surrounded by groves of mango and banana and extensive rice field, it is now a part of Trihut division of Bihar. The city is an important religious and historical attraction site and is flocked by tourists year in and year out.
Buddha's stupa, Vaishali
The two Stupas, Stupa 1 and Stupa 2 present in Vaishali which are named on the basis of their discovery and excavation. Both of them have the ashes of Lord Buddha preserved in stone caskets. Both the Stupas are now in a dilapidated condition, however, still have a great reverence in Buddhism.
Vishal Fort or Vishal's Garh, Vaishali
The Vishal fort is a ruin of a fort which is 1 Km huge parliament house of Lichchavis. It is believed that around seven thousand representatives used to gather here to discuss about political affairs. The Vishal fort is an important tourist attraction in Vaishali.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa , Vaishali
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a 125ft, tall peace pagoda which was built by the Buddh Vihar society in collaboration with Japanese government. This is a really huge, white, beautiful stupa with enormous greenery, serenity and a pond where you can spend some leisure time boating and breathing in the fresh air.
Just near the Vishwa Shanti Stupa there is a museum on the north bank which houses the artifacts found during excavation, dividing them into four galleries, one is terracotta items of Human figures, another gallery has terracotta items of animal figures with wheels, cast coins etc. The third gallery exhibits antles, bones and iron and copper commodities. And the fourth gallery houses earthen wares.
The Ashoka pillar, Vaishali
King Ashoka built a Ashokan pillar in Vaishali which was to memorialize the last sermon of Lord Buddha that took place here. There is a lion flawlessly engraved, at the top of the pillar facing north, believed to be the direction of Lord Buddha's last voyage. There is a brick stupa and a pond known as Ramkund next to the pole which sums up to make a sanctified spot for Buddhists.
Bawan Pokhra temple, Vaishali
Bawan Pokhra temple has some of the beautiful images of Hindu gods and goddesses, Located on Bawan Pokhar's northern end, Bawan Pokhar temple is a piece of ancient art built during the rule of Pal dynasty. An old temple built in the Pala period stands on the northern bank of Bawan Pokhar and enshrines beautiful images of several Hindu gods.
Sonepur Mela, Vaishali
The famous Sonepur Cattle Fair is one of the largest Cattle fair in Asia that takes place annually in the Vaishali district of Bihar. Present on the bank of the river Gandak, the city of Sonepur holds the annual livestock fair, commonly known as 'Sonepur Mela'. In Sonepur Mela One can buy everything, from a needle to an elephant.
However, the sale and purchase of elephants has been declared illegal since 2004, after the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. However, the Sonepur Mela still has much to offer to its visitors, who come from all across the country as well as abroad from handicraft stores to trade of Dogs, Buffaloes and Donkies.
Hajipur, Vaishali
Hajipur is one of those cities of India which has connected the past and the present in a smooth transition over the years. The district of Vaishali, of which Hajipur is the headquarter as well as the largest city, is known for being the place where Lord Gautama Buddha decided upon his final resting - nirvana after bodily death.
The land of Hajipur is filled with many temples. Present amidst stretches of agricultural lands and acres of banana plantation, these temples appeal to those for whom spirituality is at the core of travelling. Hajipur also has one of the longest bridges of Asia, stretching over the river Ganges for 5.75km.
Best time to visit Vaishali
The best time to visit Vaishali is from October to March as the weather is pleasant during this time. Vaishali has a sub-tropical climate, i.e., scorching in summers and cool in winters. Though the city can be visited anytime during the year, the maximum tourists visit the city in winters on the occasion of World Peace Festival.
Conclusion
Vaishali is a spritual and cultural hub in Bihar, from the spiritual Bawan Pokhra temple to the peaceful Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Vaishali offers a wide range of attractions for all kind of travelers. So, pack your bags and move on a journey to Vaishali and enjoy your traveling experience.
