The great Lichchavi clan ruled Vaishali in the sixth century BC, and the empire extended up to the hills of Nepal. The Lichchavi state is considered to be the first republican state of Asia. According to the Jataka stories, (Buddhist story books giving the account of different births of the Buddha), Vaishali was ruled by some 7707 kings of the Lichchavi clan. Ajatshatru, the great Magadh King, annexed Vaishali in the fifth century BC and after that Vaishali gradually lost its glory and power.
Mahavira, the last Tirthankar of Jainism, was born in Kundupur near Vaishali. The father of Mahavira was King Siddartha and his mother Trishala was the sister of King Chetaka of Vaishali. Since the wealth of his father's kingdom had increased during the pregnancy, the child was called Vardhaman. He was named Mahavira because he showed great courage in a very young age. After the death of his parents at the age of 30, he renounced the world after fasting for two days under an Ashoka tree in Vaishali.
Vaishali is also famous as the land of Ambapali, the great Indian dancer who is related to many folktales. Ambapali was a beautiful and talented courtesan, who later took sanyas to follow the path of the Buddha.
| Location |
around 55 km from Patna |
| Distance |
Hajipur (35 kms), Muzaffarpur (36 kms) |
| STD Code |
06225 |
| Language |
Hindi, Vajjika, Maithili, & English |
| Climate / best Season/ Best Time To Visit |
Summer : Max. 44 Min.21
Winter : Max. 23 Min. 6
October to March. |
| Entertainment |
Raja Vishal Ka Ghar, Museums, Stupa, Temple, Durgah, Coronation Tank. |
| How to Reach |
Air: The nearest airport is Patna 56 km connected by Indian Airlines to Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
Rail: Hajipur (35 km) on the North Eastern Railway is the nearest railway station
Road: Regular bus services connect Vaishali to Patna via Lalgunj, Hajipur and
Muzaffarpur. Vaishali is connected by road to Patna (55 km), Muzaffarpur (36 km) and Hajipur
(35 km). |
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