Vaishali, Place Of Buddhism and Jainism

Vaishali, Place Of Buddhism and Jainism: 

Vaishali was one of the ancient cities in India and a very famous city in ancient times. The town thrived as the capital of the Lichchavis and Vajjian kingdoms—the city on the river Ganges’ banks. There was a legend that the city’s people suffered from Plague disease and lead miserable lives. When Bhagavan Gauthama Buddha entered the town, the infected things were ruined away from the city.

There are many other legendaries to reveal the glory of Vaishali city. The town’s people were very wealthy and immensely followed their traditions. The city was the place for many miracles, among them once Lord Buddha visited this place several times and preached many times about life salvation. He spent many days here and announced his impending death. Here He received an offering of honey from the monkeys. A stupa was also erected at this place by Lichhavis to honour Gauthama Buddha. Still, we can see the stupa’s remains at his home. The second Buddhist council celebration was also conducted in Vaishali. Once upon a time, the city was the place for thriving Buddhism—the town was also the birthplace of the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira.

Vaishali Archaeological Evidences:

The city is surrounded by three tall walls fixed with great gates, including watch towers. Here black, and white pottery tradition spread enormously. Still, we can be seen the ruins of the ancient city. Archaeological excavations show us that the ancient city had been connected with Buddhism for nearly 2000 years. Now the site of the town is known as Besarhin village, Bihar.

Vaishali in Hindu Puranas:

The ancient city got its name from a story of King Vishal in the Indian Hindu epic Mahabharata: Vaishali, the capital of the vibrant republican lichhavis state. The town was the second republic in the world and similar to the Greece Republic. And a metropolis situated Himalayan Gangetic region. At present, the site of the city is located in Bihar state. According to Vishnu Purana, 34 kings ruled ancient Vaishali. Nabhaga, the first king of Vaishali, during his ruling some differences occurred in human rights, so he renunciation his throne and declared himself the free tiller of the soil. The last king of Vaishali was Sumati, the contemporary of Ayodhya king Dasaratha, who was the father of Lord Rama.

Vaishali in Buddhist and Jain Texts:

Vaishali’s importance and presence are mentioned in the Buddhist and Jain texts. Some world scholars believe the city was the first republic established by Lichhavis in the 6th century BC.
The city was the place for many spiritual events and a sacred place. Still, Jains and Buddhists treat the site as very holy. Only Lord Mahavir was Born, and Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana at the sacred city. The famous courtesan Ambapali also lived in the town, converted to Buddhism, and became a great disciple of Buddha.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa:

Here we can see the Vishwa Shanti stupa, the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan built this. Now a day, we can see the stupa in a ruined place.
After the last preaching of Buddha at Vaishali, He set out for Kushinagar; then the Licchavis also followed him. Then Buddha created an illusion of a river in their way to operate Licchavis. Then Licchavi gave up their way to follow Buddha and went back to Vaishali. The site of the illusion creation is now near to modern Kasariya Village. In the later years, King Ashoka built a stupa here to honour Buddhism.

Jainism:

Jains give a lot of importance to the city of Vaishali. The 24th and last Jain Tirthankara Mahavir was also born here, and he knew as Niganthas. In his ascetic life, he spent in Vaishali 12 rainy seasons of the entire 42 rainy seasons. Vaishali was also the residence of eminent Jains and Buddhas. They were Siha, Karanapali, Ugga, Pirgiyani and many other Licchavis.