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&39s 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.
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.
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.
Excursions: The Jain Prakrit Institute offers a place of study for researchers interested in Jainology an Prakrit, one of the spoken languages of Northern India in ancient times.
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.
