Vaishali – Bihar
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Vaishali district is situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 60 km from the capital city of Patna. The place gains significance from the fact that it is here that Lord Buddha announced the imminence of his Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali also witnessed one of the eight great events in the life of Lord Buddha. It was here that a monkey offered Him a bowl of honey. Lord Buddha also visited Vaishali five years after the attainment of His enlightenment. The Lichhvis offered a grand welcome to the Lord on his arrival in Vaishali.
Shanti Stupa Vaishali he displayed some extraordinary and divine presentations of his spiritual superiority here. This led to mass induction of people into Buddhism. Infact, it is believed that at that time around eighty four thousand people adopted Buddhism. One of the most important events that took place at Vaishali was the induction of females into the Sangha. It is believed that even Mahaprajapati Gautami, the foster mother of Buddha, joined the order here, along with the other Sakya-women.
Once the Buddha was staying in the Kutagara hall in Mahavana (large grove) at Vaisali. Maha-prajapati, the fostermother of the Buddha, who had been earlier refused permission at Kapilavastu by the Blessed one to join the Sangha, came to Vaisali. Covered with dust and with swollen feet, she stood outside the entrance of the great hall in Mahavana, sad and sorrowful.
Venerable Ananda saw her in that state and asked her why she was here. She explained that she was dejected and disappointed as the Buddha had refused to grant ordination to women. Then Ananda went to the Buddha and pleaded for the ordination of Maha-prajapati.
Finally, the Blessed One agreed to permit ordination of Prajapati and other Sakyan ladies. Thus the Bhikhuni Sangha (Order of Nuns) came to be established at Vaisali.
Ambapali was the Chief Courtesan of Vaisali on knowing that the Lord was staying in her mango-grove, Ambapali visited the Budha and invited Him, for a forenoon meal at her residence. The Buddha accepted her invitation and gave consent by silence. On her way back, Ambapali met the Licchavi nombles who had also come to invite the Buddha but were forestalled by her. They entreated Ambapali and offered her a price for giving up the invitation but she politely declined on the plea that after waiting for a long time she had got the chance and would not miss this golden opportunity. After the meals, Ambapali donated her Ambavana (Mangogrove) for the residence of the monks.
The Buddha spent His last (45th) rainy season (Vassa) at Vaisali and stayed on there afterwards also. Before leaving Vaisali, the Buddha announced on the Maghi purnima day that three months hence he would attain Nirvana. Thereafter, He set out on His last journey to Kushinara. The Licchavi nobles erected a grand Stupa over their share of the holy relics of the Buddha which they later brought from Kushinara.
Fa-hian, the first Chinese pilgrim, visited aisali in the opening years of A.D. fifth century. He says, "To the north of the capital there is a large forest and shrine in two sections where Buddha once dwelt, and also a pagoda built over half of the body of Ananda. Inside the city there is the pagoda, still in existence, which the courtesan, Amradarika built in honour of Buddha. Three it to the south of the city, on the west side of the road, there is the garden which Amradarika presented to Buddha for a dwelling place. When Buddha was about to pass away and had issued with his disciples out of the west Gate of the city, He turned himself round to the right and beholding the city of Vaisali said to the disciple. ‘This is the last Place I shall visit.’ Men of later ages have built a pagoda on the Spot."
Fa-hian also saw a pagoda built at the place where the second Buddhist Council was held. Hiuen-Tsang, the second Chinese pilgrim, who came after about 230 years of Fa-hian’s visit, describes in greater detail the condition of Vaisali and Buddhist monuments. He says: "The capital city of Vaisali is to a great extent in ruins. There are a few people living in it. To the north-west of the royal city (precinct) 5 li or 6li there is a Sangharama with a few disciples. They study the teachings of the Little Vehicle according to the Sammatiya School."
Hiuen-Tsang saw the Stupa nuilt by a Licchavi King to enshrine a portion of the body relics of the Buddha. He also saw "a Stupa built by Asoka-raja and by the side of it a stone pillar about 50 or 60 feet high, with the figure of a lion on the top."
Hiuen-Tsang further says - "To the South of the stone Pillar is a tank. This was dug by a band of Monkeys (Markata-hrada) for Buddha’s use. When he was in the world of old, Tathagata once again dwelt here. Not far to the south of this tank is a Stupa; it was here the monkeys, taking the alms-bowl of Tathagata, climbed a tree and gathered him some honey. Not far to the south is a Stupa; this is the place where the monkeys offered honey to Buddha. At the north-west angle of the lake there is still a figure of a monkey."
Of the numerous Stupas seen by Hiuen-Tsang at Vaisali, the important ones were
Where Tathagata delivered the Vimala Kirti Sutra.
Where the aunt of Buddha and other Bhikshunis obtained Nirvana.
At the site of the garden of Amra-girl (Amrapali).
Where Tathagata walked for exercise.
Where Tathagat announced his Nirvana.
Where the Licchavis took leave of the Buddha, when He left for Kushinagar, and He gave them his Patra as a token of remembrance.
Where the Buddha for the last time gazed upon the city of Vaisali.
Where the relics of Ananda were enshrined.
Nothing much is known about Vaishali after Hiuen-Tsang’s visit in A.D. 7th century. It lay in ruins, unkown, unheard of till Alexander Cunningham identified the ruins at and around Basrah in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar with ancient Vaishali.
An effort to revive the glory of Vaishali is being made by the Vaishali international Buddhist Society, muzaffarpur, which was founded by Sri Pashupatinath Sinha in 1960. Vaishali is 36 km.
At Kolhua, there stands a monolithic pillar erected by Asoka. It is made of highly polished sandstone surmounted by a bell-shaped capital supporting a life size figure of lion. Though devoid of any inscription, this pillar appears to be part of the line of pillars in the Champaran and Muzaffarpur districts-Rampurva, Lauriya, Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Kolhua-belived to have marked stages of Emperor Asoka’s journey from Patliputra to Lumbini, which he undertook in the 20th year of his consecration. This lion pillar perhaps also commemorates the last sermon of Lord Buddha at Vaishali.
The ruins of the Asoken seen by hiuen-Tsang are to the north-west of the pillar. The ruined mound now known as Buddha Stupa-I is feet high. Beneath it was discovered a stone casket containing a portion of the sacred ashes of the Budha.
This Stupa was excavated in 1958. From its base also another casket containing the sacred ashes of the Buddha was discovered.
Shanti Stupa Vaishali he displayed some extraordinary and divine presentations of his spiritual superiority here. This led to mass induction of people into Buddhism. Infact, it is believed that at that time around eighty four thousand people adopted Buddhism. One of the most important events that took place at Vaishali was the induction of females into the Sangha. It is believed that even Mahaprajapati Gautami, the foster mother of Buddha, joined the order here, along with the other Sakya-women.
Sanctity
Vausali, the capital city of the powerful Licchavis, was closely associated with the Buddha. Lord Buddha is said to have visited Vaisali a number of times. He had also spent two Retreats (Vassa), 5th and 45th at Vaisali. And many distinquished Licchavis had become His disciples. During one of His visits to Vaisali, monkeys are said to have offered the Buddha a pot of honey, an incident that is treated as one of the four great miracles in the life of Gautama Buddha.Once the Buddha was staying in the Kutagara hall in Mahavana (large grove) at Vaisali. Maha-prajapati, the fostermother of the Buddha, who had been earlier refused permission at Kapilavastu by the Blessed one to join the Sangha, came to Vaisali. Covered with dust and with swollen feet, she stood outside the entrance of the great hall in Mahavana, sad and sorrowful.
Venerable Ananda saw her in that state and asked her why she was here. She explained that she was dejected and disappointed as the Buddha had refused to grant ordination to women. Then Ananda went to the Buddha and pleaded for the ordination of Maha-prajapati.
Finally, the Blessed One agreed to permit ordination of Prajapati and other Sakyan ladies. Thus the Bhikhuni Sangha (Order of Nuns) came to be established at Vaisali.
Ambapali was the Chief Courtesan of Vaisali on knowing that the Lord was staying in her mango-grove, Ambapali visited the Budha and invited Him, for a forenoon meal at her residence. The Buddha accepted her invitation and gave consent by silence. On her way back, Ambapali met the Licchavi nombles who had also come to invite the Buddha but were forestalled by her. They entreated Ambapali and offered her a price for giving up the invitation but she politely declined on the plea that after waiting for a long time she had got the chance and would not miss this golden opportunity. After the meals, Ambapali donated her Ambavana (Mangogrove) for the residence of the monks.
The Buddha spent His last (45th) rainy season (Vassa) at Vaisali and stayed on there afterwards also. Before leaving Vaisali, the Buddha announced on the Maghi purnima day that three months hence he would attain Nirvana. Thereafter, He set out on His last journey to Kushinara. The Licchavi nobles erected a grand Stupa over their share of the holy relics of the Buddha which they later brought from Kushinara.
History
The city of Vaisali had become in the early days a stronghold of Buddhism. No wonder, a little over 100years after the Maha-parinirvana of the Buddha, the second Buddhist Council was held there. It is said that the monks of the Vajji country had started practicing the Ten Points (dasa vathani) which were regarded as unorthodox indulgences by some monks led by Yasa. To settle this dispute the second Council (Sangiti) was convened at Vaisali. Seven hundred monks met under the Presidentship of Ven. Sabbakami. In an unanimous verdict, the Council declared the conduct of the Vajjian monks as inlawful. The Vajji monks, however, refused to accept the verdict. This resulted in a schism in the Sangha and thensecession of the Mahasanghikas (Vajji monks). The second Council at Vaisali, therefore, gave a new turn to the development of Buddhism and played an important role in the later day Buddhism.Fa-hian, the first Chinese pilgrim, visited aisali in the opening years of A.D. fifth century. He says, "To the north of the capital there is a large forest and shrine in two sections where Buddha once dwelt, and also a pagoda built over half of the body of Ananda. Inside the city there is the pagoda, still in existence, which the courtesan, Amradarika built in honour of Buddha. Three it to the south of the city, on the west side of the road, there is the garden which Amradarika presented to Buddha for a dwelling place. When Buddha was about to pass away and had issued with his disciples out of the west Gate of the city, He turned himself round to the right and beholding the city of Vaisali said to the disciple. ‘This is the last Place I shall visit.’ Men of later ages have built a pagoda on the Spot."
Fa-hian also saw a pagoda built at the place where the second Buddhist Council was held. Hiuen-Tsang, the second Chinese pilgrim, who came after about 230 years of Fa-hian’s visit, describes in greater detail the condition of Vaisali and Buddhist monuments. He says: "The capital city of Vaisali is to a great extent in ruins. There are a few people living in it. To the north-west of the royal city (precinct) 5 li or 6li there is a Sangharama with a few disciples. They study the teachings of the Little Vehicle according to the Sammatiya School."
Hiuen-Tsang saw the Stupa nuilt by a Licchavi King to enshrine a portion of the body relics of the Buddha. He also saw "a Stupa built by Asoka-raja and by the side of it a stone pillar about 50 or 60 feet high, with the figure of a lion on the top."
Hiuen-Tsang further says - "To the South of the stone Pillar is a tank. This was dug by a band of Monkeys (Markata-hrada) for Buddha’s use. When he was in the world of old, Tathagata once again dwelt here. Not far to the south of this tank is a Stupa; it was here the monkeys, taking the alms-bowl of Tathagata, climbed a tree and gathered him some honey. Not far to the south is a Stupa; this is the place where the monkeys offered honey to Buddha. At the north-west angle of the lake there is still a figure of a monkey."
Of the numerous Stupas seen by Hiuen-Tsang at Vaisali, the important ones were
Where Tathagata delivered the Vimala Kirti Sutra.
Where the aunt of Buddha and other Bhikshunis obtained Nirvana.
At the site of the garden of Amra-girl (Amrapali).
Where Tathagata walked for exercise.
Where Tathagat announced his Nirvana.
Where the Licchavis took leave of the Buddha, when He left for Kushinagar, and He gave them his Patra as a token of remembrance.
Where the Buddha for the last time gazed upon the city of Vaisali.
Where the relics of Ananda were enshrined.
Nothing much is known about Vaishali after Hiuen-Tsang’s visit in A.D. 7th century. It lay in ruins, unkown, unheard of till Alexander Cunningham identified the ruins at and around Basrah in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar with ancient Vaishali.
An effort to revive the glory of Vaishali is being made by the Vaishali international Buddhist Society, muzaffarpur, which was founded by Sri Pashupatinath Sinha in 1960. Vaishali is 36 km.
By road
from Muzaffarpur and 55 km from Patna across the Ganga. Keeping in view the historical importance of Vaishali, the government of Bihar has recently formed an independent district of Vaishali, with headquarters at Hajipur, which is 35 km.By road
from Vaishali. The ancient ciry of Vaishali, the seat of the first republic of the world, now comprises of the village of Basrah, Chakramdas and Kamman Chhapra in vaishali district, and the villages of ania, Basukund and Kolhua in Muzaffarpur district.Tourist Attractions of Vaishali
Ashokan Pillar
There is a Lion Pillar at Kolhua, which was built by Emperor Ashoka. The pillar has been chiseled out of a highly polished single piece of red sandstone. An 18.3 m high structure, it stands surmounted by a bell shaped capital. A life-size figure of a lion is adorns the top of the pillar. This pillar beside a brick stupa at Kolhua commemorates Buddha's last sermon.At Kolhua, there stands a monolithic pillar erected by Asoka. It is made of highly polished sandstone surmounted by a bell-shaped capital supporting a life size figure of lion. Though devoid of any inscription, this pillar appears to be part of the line of pillars in the Champaran and Muzaffarpur districts-Rampurva, Lauriya, Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Kolhua-belived to have marked stages of Emperor Asoka’s journey from Patliputra to Lumbini, which he undertook in the 20th year of his consecration. This lion pillar perhaps also commemorates the last sermon of Lord Buddha at Vaishali.
Budha Stupa-I
This stupa enshrines one-eighth of the sacred ashes of the Lord Buddha, in a stone casket.The ruins of the Asoken seen by hiuen-Tsang are to the north-west of the pillar. The ruined mound now known as Buddha Stupa-I is feet high. Beneath it was discovered a stone casket containing a portion of the sacred ashes of the Budha.
Budha Stupa-II
Another casket containing the ashes of the Lord Budha was found here, during the excavation carried out in 1958.This Stupa was excavated in 1958. From its base also another casket containing the sacred ashes of the Buddha was discovered.