Vaishali is very special to a Buddhist. Buddha delivered his last sermon here and announced his impending ‘nirvana’. Some of the great incidents in his life also occurred here, like the courtesan Amrapali giving him a mango orchard and becoming a Buddhist run.
The Buddha is supposed to have visited Vaishali three times. Centuries later Fa-Hien and Hiuen Tsang followed the footsteps of the great Buddha.
One hurndred years after the Buddha’s ‘parinirvana’ 700 monks from all over north India assembled here to discuss the 10 points of ‘Vinaya’, the rule of conduct under dispute. Today Vaishali is best known for this second Buddhist Council, for very little of the ancient ruins have been excavated yet.
Vaishali the capital of ancient Lichhavis is supposed to be the first republic of the world, having an elected body of representatives and an efficient administration as early as 6th century BC.
Vaishali is also the birthplace of Lord mahavira and is sacred to the Jains.
Places to be visited are Abhishek Pushkarni, Ashok pillar, Lotus tank, Chaumukhi Mahadeo, Vaishali museum.