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Life in A Bag – Vaishali 

 

 

Travel opens us so many avenues in our life. It gives us so much experience and exposure to a different kind of culture. There is a difference between a traveler and a tourist. A tourist visits a place for pleasure mostly for sightseeing experience. Whereas, what we at Patna Diaries believe is that a traveler is out to explore. They blend in with the locals and try to experience the true essence of that place.

 

We have started our series – Life in A Bag, with the purpose to show you the memories we create while traveling in Bihar. Bihar has a lot of places that hold historical importance. It has a very rich cultural heritage. So, the first place that we thought of exploring was – Vaishali.

 

Why visit Vaishali?

 

Vaishali is the first republic of the world. It was the capital of Licchavi state. Gautam Buddha visited Vaishali numerous times in his life. Later, he gave his last sermon here. It is also an important place for Jainism as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavir. Thus, Vaishali has great importance in Indian history.

 

 

 

How to reach Vaishali?

 

It is a 2-hour drive from Patna. The distance is around 60 km. The road is pretty comfortable with greenery around. We will recommend you to take the Digha-Sonepur bridge from Patna.  One can also travel through the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, but due to the construction process there is a lot of congestion on that bridge these days. 

 

 

Places to visit in Vaishali

1. Vishwa Shanti Stupa

 

Nichidatsu Fuji Guruji started the construction of various World Peace Pagoda all over the world after the end of World War II. The stupa in Vaishali was excavated in 1969. This Shanti stupa shows the 4 major life cycles of Gautam Buddha. They are birth, enlightenment, sermon, and nirvana.

 

Visiting Hours – 7 AM – 5 PM

2. Buddha’s Relic Stupa

 

The relic stupa of Buddha was erected by the Licchavis. It is one amongst the eight original relic stupas built over the corporeal remains of Buddha. This site was excavated in 1958. 

3. Vaishali Museum

 

The archaeological museum was constructed in 1971. It has various antiques from 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. on display. 

Visiting Hours – 9 AM – 5 PM, Friday Closed.

 

4. Ashokan Pillar and remains of Kolhua

 

Gautam Buddha gave his last sermon in Kolhua. He also announced his nirvana after that. The special thing that should be noted is that from this very place the women were also included in the sermons. Emperor Ashoka built the lion pillar here. It is made of a single piece of red sandstone.

5. Jain Mandir

 

The Svetambaras believe that Vaishali is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jain religion. He was born in 600 BC. During excavation, a gold statue and ornaments of Mahavir were found in Vaishali.

6.Vietnam Temple

 

This Buddhist stupa and vihar offer a 10-day meditation course. You can join this course to find your inner peace.

 

Thus, travel gives us peace, travel makes us forget our tensions, travel makes us carefree. So, what are you waiting for, pick your bag today, and start traveling with us 🙂 

 

 

Directions from Patna