Vaishali Travel Guide

Top 10 attractions in Vaishali

1. Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Vaishali was built as a symbol of peace post the second world war by a Japanese Neo-Buddhist organisation Nipponzan Myhoji in collaboration with the Buddha Vihar Society. It is also known as World Peace Pagoda. It is one of the 80 peace pagodas built all around the world, as an initiative of Fujii Nichidatsu who was deeply touched by the atomic bombing of Japan. It is a white colour beautiful structure, 125 ft tall with lush green surroundings and a pond which makes it a perfect place to spend time and enjoy the fresh air far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Hariharnath Temple

Hariharnath Temple was originally built by Lord Rama on his way to the swayamvar of Mata Sita. It is home to legendary stories like ‘The story of Gajendra Moksha’ and hence gets the name ‘Hariharnath’. According to the 8th Skanda of Bhagvata Purana, Lord Vishnu came down to the earth to protect Gajendra, the elephant from the clutches of Makara, the crocodile and helped Gajendra get Moksha. Gajendra then took a god-like form and went to Vaikuntha with Vishnu. Every year people offer puja at Harharnath temple, visit sonepur mela and take a dip at the meeting place of the .

3. Abhishek Pushkarni

The water of Abhishek pushkarni or the coronation tank was used to anoint elected head of the kingdom of Vaishali. Vaishali was the oldest republic and the first to introduce democracy. The water of the tank was known to have healing properties.

4. Buddha Relic Stupa

Buddha Relic Stupa is one of the eight original relic stupas where ashes of Lord Buddha was buried. It is said that according to the Buddhist traditions after attaining Mahapariniryana, his body was cremated by the Mallas of Kushinagar and his mortal remains were distributed among eight claimants including the Lichhavis of Vaishali. The Stupa was raised in 5th century B.C and is 12 m in diameter. The most important discovery is the relic stone casket which contains his ashes. The casket is now placed in Patna museum.

5. Archaeological Museum,Vaishali

Archaeological Museum of Vaishali was built by ASI in 1971 to preserve the antiquities found during excavations at the site of Vaishali. The museum contains four galleries. The first one displays terracota objects. The second contains terracota figurines, the third displays a variety of objects like bone, antler, bangles etc and the last displays a collection of earthenwares of olden times.

6. Ashok Pillar, Vaishali

Ashoka Pillar or Ashoka Stambha was built by Emperor Ashok post the Kalinga war. After the massacre in Kalinga war, Ashok embraced Buddhism and followed the path of non-violence. The pillar has a lion on top facing north, believed to be the direction of Buddha’s last voyage. It was built to commemorate Buddha’s last Sermon that was delivered in Vaishali. He then went on to attain salvation in Kushinagar.

7. Birthplace of Lord Mahavir

Vaishali is blessed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavir who was the 24th Teerthankar of Jainism. The place he was born is marked by a beautiful temple and is a must visit due to its historical importance.

8. Ruins of Fort of King Vishal

The ruins of Fort of King Vishal is a 6ft X 10 ft high mound maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Raja Vishal ka Garh spreads over 81 acres with a huge mound near the village that is believed to be the parliament house of King Vishal. Very evidently, the place seems to get its name from that of the king. Constant excavations at the site have led to the discovery of a number of historical artifacts and provided valuable information regarding the dynasties of those periods.

9. Chaumukhi Mahadev Temple

Chaumukhi Mahadev Temple was built around the idol that contains faces of four Gods in four different directions. The idol was excavated recently and is believed to belong to the Gupta period.