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Vaishali
 Places
of Interest : (Ashoka Pillar at Kolhua ,Buddha Stupa I,
Buddha Stupa II ,Raja Vishal Ka Ghar Coronation Tank ,Museum ,Bawan
Pokhar Temple and Harikatora Temple Miranji Ka Durgah ,Kundupur (4 km)
Altitude
: 52 metres.
Temperature
:
(Max./Min.)- Summer 44 Deg C/21 Deg C. Winter 23 Deg C/6 Deg C.
Rainfall: 120 cms.
Best Season
:
October to March.
Vaishali is an important spiritual place for both Buddhists and Jains.
Vaishali is at a distance of 55 km from Patna. Named after King Visala of Ramayana, Vaishali has the distinction of being the capital of one of the first republics in the world run by the Lichchavis. It is here that Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and announced his approaching Nirvana. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, was born here in Kundligrama (Vaishali) in 599 B.C.
 Tourist
Attractions
are the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, the Ashokan pillars, and many Buddhist and Jain structures.
Vaishali has a past that pre-dates recorded history. 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 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 Chinese travellers 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, Amrapali 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 a Court dancer besides consigning her to lifelong spinsterhood. Later she became a devout Buddhist and served the Lord Buddha.
Treasures of Vaishali
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 bell shaped capital, 18.3m. high. A life-size figure of a lion is placed on top of the pillar. There is a small tank here known as Ramkund.
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 Kilometre and walls nearly 2m. high with a 43m. 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 problems of the day.
Shanti Stupa
On the south bank of the Coronation Tank built by Buddh Vehar Society.
Kundupur (Birth place of Lord Mahavira)
4km. It is believed that the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born over 2550 years ago. Mahavir is said to have 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 anointed here before their swearing in.
Other places of interest
Chaumukhi Mahadeva, Harikatora Temple, Lotus Tank and Miranji-Ki-Dargah, Jain Temple etc.
How to get There
:
Air : The nearest airport is Patna 56 km connected by Indian Airlines to Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
Rail : Hajipur (35 km) on the North Eastern Railway is the nearest railway station
Road : Vaishali is connected by road to Patna (55 km), Muzaffarpur (36 km) and Hajipur (35 km).
Bus Services: Regular bus services connect Vaishali to Patna via Lalgunj, Hajipur and Muzaffarpur.
Local Transport: Only tongas and cycle rickshaws are available.
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