- Historians states 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 Buddha.
- And Pataliputra, capital of the Mauryas and the Guptas, held political sway over the Gangetic plain, Vaishali was the center for trade and industry.
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| Vaishali |
- Lord Buddha visited Vaishali frequently and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon.
- To commemorate the event, Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. erected one of his famous lion pillars here. A hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha - Vaishali hosted the second great Buddhist council.
- Two stupas were erected to commemorate this event. Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, for in 527 B.C., Lord Mahavir was born on the outskirts of the city, and lived in Vaishali till he was 22.
- Vaishali is then twice blessed and remains an important pilgrim center for both Buddhists and Jains, attracting also historians foraging for the past.
Other Attractions :
- On the outskirts of Vaishali stood the grand double storied Buddhist monastery. Buddha often discoursed here.
- He extended spiritual enfranchisement to women by admitting them to the Holy Order which was founded here.
- Legend has it that on one of his visits, several monkeys dug up a tank for his comfortable stay and offered him a bowl of honey.
- This is regarded as one of the great incidents in the legends of Buddha, who announced his approaching Nirvana and preached his last sermon here.
- Air: The nearest airport is Patna (70 Kms).
- Rail: Hajipur on the north eastern railway station (35 Kms) from Muzaffarpur Railway station (40 Kms)
- Road: Vaishali is well connected by road to Patna (56 Kms), Muzaffarpur (36 Kms) and Hazipur (35 Kms)