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Vaishali
today is a small village known for its historical past. 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. Vaishali, on the left bank of the Gandak river,
is spiritually supreme : Lord Buddha visited this place frequently
and at Kolhua, close by, preached his last sermon. One of the
famous lion pillars have been erected here by Emperor Ashoka.
A hundred years after the
Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha - Vaishali hosted the second great
Buddhist council. Jainism, too, has its origins in Vaishali, for
in 527 B.C., Lord Mahavir was born here and lived in Vaishali
till he was 22. Vaishali is then twice blessed and remains an
important pilgrim centre for both Buddhists and Jains and other
religions also.
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.
How To Reach -
By Air: Nearest airport is Patna, connected
to Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Hajipur.
By Road: Patna- 55 kms, Muzaffarpur-
36 kms and Hajipur- 35 kms.
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