Vaishali

Gautama Buddha visited Vaishali, a city in ancient India, after leaving Kapilvastu and Lumbini. He received spiritual training there and, after attaining Enlightenment, regularly visited the city. During one visit, Vaishali faced a crisis, and the prince requested Buddha’s help. Legend says storms ceased and rain fell upon Buddha’s arrival, dispelling evil spirits. Buddha recited the Ratana Sutta to bring relief. During his last visit, Buddha declared his imminent departure and allowed the inclusion of women in the Sangha. After seven days, he left Vaishali, marking the end of his visits to the city.

Places to See

Buddha Relic Stupa

Ashoka Pillar

Ananda Stupa

Keshariya Buddha Stupa

Buddha Relic Stupa

The Buddha Relic Stupa in Vaishali is one of the eight original stupas containing the relics of Buddha. It holds historical significance as a repository of sacred relics attributed to Gautama Buddha. Pilgrims and visitors come to the stupa to pay homage to these relics, connecting with the spiritual legacy of Buddha. The stupa stands as a symbol of veneration and is an important site for those seeking a deeper understanding of Buddhism and its historical roots in Vaishali.

Ashoka Pillar

The Ashoka Pillar in Vaishali is a historic monument erected by the Indian emperor Ashoka. It features a lion capital, symbolizing Buddha’s teachings. The pillar stands at the site where Buddha is believed to have announced his approaching Nirvana. Pilgrims and visitors come to witness this ancient structure, recognizing its importance in Buddhist history and the enduring legacy of Ashoka’s contributions to the spread of Buddhism.

Ananda Stupa

Gautama Buddha, after leaving Kapilvastu and Lumbini, went to Vaishali where he received spiritual training. Later, after attaining Enlightenment, he frequently visited Vaishali. Legend has it that Vaishali faced a crisis with food shortage and diseases. The prince sought Buddha’s help, and upon his arrival, storms ceased, and rain fell. Buddha recited the Ratana Sutta to dispel evil spirits. During his last visit, Buddha declared his nearing departure and allowed the induction of women into the Sangha. After seven days, he left Vaishali, marking the end of his visits to the city.

Keshariya Buddha Stupa

Explore Kesariya Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa globally, located around 110 km from Bihar’s capital, Patna. With a circumference of 400 feet and a height of 104 feet, it’s a significant pilgrimage site. Locally known as Devalaya, meaning ‘house of gods,’ the stupa holds historical importance. According to Kesariya Stupa history, it’s believed that Buddha stayed here before moving to Kushinagar. Legend has it that Buddha foretold his imminent Nirvana to his disciples at this sacred spot.