Vaishali (Bihar, India)

Vaishali, the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon, is one of the most popular places for Buddhists. Vaishali has many things associated with Lord Buddha and many rulers, who were also followers of Buddhism, reigned in the region. It came under many empires including Guptas and Ashoka, but it was founded in the Magadha empire. The name derives from the King Vishal of Mahabharat. Not only did Buddha give his last moral speech in Vaishali but also announced his nirvana here. Throughout his life, Gautam Buddha visited Vaishali many times and thus holds notable importance in the Buddhism tour. Vaishali is also a significant part of politics and came under the region where democracy found its origin around 600 BCE.

Vaishali is a prominent city from the ancient time of the age of Mahabharat and is also a crucial part of Buddhist tourism. After leaving Kapilavastu and Lumbini, Buddha reached Vaishali to pursue his spiritual training. Also, post-enlightenment, Buddha visited Vaishali many times adding this place to the list of significant parts of Buddhism's history. Vaishali is also a pilgrimage for Jains as it is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir. Before this, Vaishali was part of Lichhavi state which covered a significant part of Himalayan-Gangatic region. Legends have it that Gautam Buddha once retrieved Vaishali from a huge calamity. Budhha also recited the Ratana Sutta in Vaishali for seven days. Gautam Buddha gave his last sermon here before announcing his nirvana. All the events related to Buddha, Vaishali is marked as a significant destination for followers of Buddhism.

There are a lot of attractions to visit here related to Gautam Buddha. The Ashoka pillar in Vaishali is a testament to the relation of the city to Buddhist ideology. The pillar made by the emperor Ashoka is recognised as the first evidence of the Buddhist faith and the inscriptions on any of the Ashoka Pillar is to spread the dharma throughout the region. The Ashoka pillar is crowned by the Asian lion which represents much of the Ashoka itself, who was a devoted follower of Buddha. There is also the Buddhist monastery and a coronation water body named Ramkund in the proximity. The Relic Stupa of Vaishali is one of the most revered and sacred pilgrimage sites in Buddhism as it enshrines a part of the holy ashes of Lord Buddha. There are eight parts of the mortal remains of Buddha kept at different locations. The stupa was found after excavation and the relic casket which had the ashes in it was also earthed from here. Other things found in the casket were a conch, beads, and a golden leaf.

There are many other archaeological wonders spread throughout the city of Vaishali which depict the vibrant past and affinity of Gautam Buddha for the place. You can see the preserved artifacts and relics illuminating the city's association with Buddha. There are more than two thousand antiques associated with the reigns of Mauryas, Guptas, and Kushanas. Near the Museum, Vishwa Shanti Stupa is another marvelous Buddhist site to witness. The white structure is the symbol of peace and love encouraging world peace and prosperity as to honour Buddhism's way.

Vaishali is best visited in the months of October to March. One can reach the Patna airport (55 km) and head to Vaishali in taxis or reach the nearest railway station of Muzaffarpur which has trains from many major cities in India including Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Howrah.