An ancient city traced back to the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Vaishali offers serene tranquillity and a beautiful environment. It taught the world about democracy and holds Buddha relics. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Mahavira, boasting various unique historical sites. It became one of the most sought-after destinations .
Location
Vaishali is located in the vaishali district of Bihar.
Things to visit in vaishali
Ashoka pillar at kolhua
Historical pillar located at Kolhua in Vaishalhttps://travelmagicmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/eklingji-temple.jpgi, Bihar Also called as the Lion Pillar, the Ashoka Pillar at Vaishali was erected by King Ashoka in 3rd century BC after being victorious on Kalinga. Influenced by Greco Buddhist style, this 18.3 m high pillar is made of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone, surmounted by a bell-shaped capital. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar facing north, believed to be the direction of Lord Buddha’s last voyage. Generally, the pillars bear inscriptions by King Ashoka, but the one in Vaishali does not contain any such inscriptions. Unlike other Ashokan Pillars, the pillar at Vaishali bears only one old lion carved in a seated position at the top that signifies the end of the warrior inside King Ashoka and his new beginning as a Buddhist
Relic stupa
This stupa, situated in Vaishali, contains the ashes of Lord Buddha, preserved in stone caskets under the guidance of the Patna Museum. Its story is intriguing: after Gautam Buddha’s passing, his ashes were divided among eight contemporary kings, and the Licchavis of Vaishali were among them. The government has erected a shed over the stupa, while the surrounding area is adorned with beautifully carved flowers and plants.
Vishwa shanti stupa
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa or World Peace Pagoda was built by the collaboration of the Indian & Japanese Government in 1969. The peace Pagoda spread in ten acres was constructed under the wish of Fujii Guruji, a Japanese Buddhist. Also known as the pillar of the piece in Vaishali, it is one of the 80 stupas around the world dedicated to Buddhism.
Built-in the Japanese style of architecture, this 38-metre tall pagoda has a 20 metres dome and enshrines Buddhist relics inside it. Several idols of Buddha are placed around the pagoda that depicts the Lord meditating in different postures. It is a huge, white, beautiful stupa surrounded by enormous greenery, serenity, and a pond where the visitors can go for boating. The birth and mahaparinirvana anniversaries of Buddha are the apt times for witnessing the charm and divinity at Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Vaishali.
Chaturmukhi temple
Chaumukhi Mahadev, or Chaturmukhi Mahadev, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as ‘Vikramaditya Chaumukhi Mandir’, the temple houses a huge Shivling with four faces representing Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya. It is said that the four faces of the Shivalinga point towards the 4 directions.
HWhile the construction time is unknown, the temple is believed to have been built during the 5th century. According to legend, the temple existed during the Ramayana period. Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sage Vishwa Mithra visited the temple while on their way to Mithila, the kingdom of Janaka. It is also believed that Buddha and Mahavir stayed in the shrine
Chaumukhi Mahadev Temple is the midpoint of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, and Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar).
Apart from that There are numerous destinations in Vaishali worth visiting, such as Raja Vishal Ka Gadh, Abhishek Pushkarini, and the Mahavira Temple. Each offers unique experiences that you can explore and embrace during your visit.”
How to reach?
Vaishali is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Patna Airport, approximately 70 kilometres away. You can also reach Vaishali by train via Hajipur Railway Station, which is around 35 kilometres away. Additionally, there are regular bus services from nearby cities like Patna and Hajipur that connect to Vaishali.
Where to stay?
Vaishali has hotels, although they might not be extremely luxurious, you can still have a satisfactory stay at these accommodations. Book them based on your budget and preferences
Respect the environment: Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid damaging natural habitats, avoid littering, and follow designated trails to preserve the local ecosystem.
Follow instructions on the dashboard: This could include rules specific to certain locations or attractions.
Avoid littering at historic sites: Many historic places hold cultural and historical significance. To maintain their integrity and beauty, refrain from leaving any trash behind.
Refrain from writing on monuments: Preserving the historical integrity of monuments is crucial. Avoid any actions that could deface or damage these structures.
Final thoughts
Vaishali is a destination that celebrates Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, with each place holding a unique story. Filled with hope, this locale is believed to dispel all despair upon entry. Vaishali retains immense archaeological and cultural significance in India—a site that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime
