Vaishali
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Vaishali is 80 km away from Gaya and 45 km from Patna in the state of Bihar. Lord Buddha visited this place several times and preached his last sermon at Kolhua, a nearby place at Vaishali. Emperor Ashoka put up one of his renowned lion pillars here in the 3rd century BC commemorate the event. Vaishali is well connected by regular bus and taxi services from Patna, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur. Similar to Rajgir, Vaishali too is significant and imperative for Jainism and Buddhism. The major event behind this holy place is- Lord Mahavira was born at Vaishali and Lord Buddha spent major time at Vaishali disseminating sermons to people. Apart from Buddhist and Jain literature, Vaishali is described in Ramayana too. The name of place is thought to be derived from the name of king Vishala. As per historical evidence, it is believed that Vaishali was the first democratic republic, even before Greeks.
Historical facts tell that Lord Buddha allowed the access of women into Buddhist sangha at Vaishali monastery only. This was the place where second Buddhist council was held to organize Buddhism array after hundred years of enlightenment of Lord Buddha. To memorialize the Second Buddhist Summit, two stupas of extraordinary size were erected here.
Vaishali was a main center of activities even after the Mauryan period. Post- excavation findings illustrate that during the rule of the Guptas and the Palas the city was a center of trade and commerce. There is indication that Vaishali was connected with Pataliputra by royal highway. Lauria Nandangarh, at the distance of 23 kilometers is one more foremost tourist attraction as it houses stone pillar of the Maurya king Ashok.
The major tourist attractions which you can visit during your travel to Vaishali are such as- Kolhua, where the King Ashoka erected a huge iron pillar and built a brick stupa, Vaishali Museum, Raja Vishal Ka Garh, Bawan Pokhar Temple built during the Pala period, Shanti Stupa, Buddha Stupa 1, Buddha Stupa 2 and Kundalpur.
