Vaishali, in Bihar, was the capital of the ancient Licchavi republic — often cited as one of the world's earliest republics — and a place Buddha visited many times during his life.
History
Buddha delivered his last sermon at Vaishali before travelling on to Kushinagar, where he passed into Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali also holds a distinct place in Buddhist history as the site of the Second Buddhist Council, held roughly a century after Buddha's death to resolve disputes over monastic discipline within the growing Sangha. Emperor Ashoka later erected a commemorative pillar here, topped with a single lion capital.
What to See
The Ashokan Pillar at Vaishali is one of the few Ashokan pillars still standing at its original site, remarkably well preserved. A relic stupa nearby is where a portion of Buddha's ashes were once enshrined and later excavated. The Coronation Tank (Abhishek Pushkarini), traditionally used to anoint Licchavi rulers, and the Vaishali Archaeological Museum round out a visit.
Entry Fees
The protected archaeological areas are largely free or charge only a nominal fee; the museum has a separate small ticket.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for comfortable weather.
How to Reach
Vaishali is about 55 km from Patna, with Hajipur or Muzaffarpur as the nearest railway stations and good road connectivity from Patna.
Get Directions to Vaishali on Google Maps
Continue the Buddhist Circuit
This site is one stop on the wider Buddhist Circuit across India — explore more:
