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 city thrived as the capital of Lichchavis and Vajjian kingdoms. The city located on the banks of river Ganges. There was a legend that the people of the city suffered from Plague disease and lead miserable life. When Bhagavan Gauthama Buddha entered into the city, the infected things ruined away from the city.

There are many other legendaries to reveal the glory of Vaishali city. People of the city were very wealthy and all immense into following their tradition. The city was the place for many miracles, among them once Lord Buddha visited this place several times and preached many times about the subject of life salvation. He spent here many days and announced his impending death. Here He received offering honey from the monkeys. A stupa also erected at this place by Lichhavis to honor Gauthama Buddha. Still, we can be seen the remains of the stupa at his place. The second Buddhist council celebrations also conducted in Vaishali. Once upon a time the city was the place for thriving Buddhism. The city also the birth place of the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira.

Vaishali Archaeological Evidences:

The city surrounded by 3 tall walls and 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 give us the knowledge that the ancient city had been connected with Buddhism for nearly 2000 years. Now the site of the city is known as Besarhin village, Bihar.

Vaishali in Hindu Puranas:

The ancient city got its name from a story of King Vishal in Indian Hindu epic Mahabharata. Vaishali, the capital of the vibrant republican lichhavis state. The city was the second republic in the world and similar to the Greece Republic. and a metropolis and situated Himalayan Gangetic region. At present the site of the city situated 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 the human rights, so he renunciation his throne and declared himself as the free tiller of the soil. The last king of Vaishali was Sumati, he was the contemporary of Ayodhya king Dasaratha, who was the father of Lord Rama.

Vaishali in Buddhist and Jain Texts:

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

Vishwa Shanti Stupa:

Here we can see the Vishwa Shanti stupa, Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan built this. Now a day we can see the stupa at the ruined place.
After the last preaching of Buddha at Vaishali, He set out for Kushinagar, then the Licchavis were also followed him. Then Buddha created an illusion of a river in their way to operate Licchavis. Then Licchavi’s 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 Vaishali. The 24th and last Jain Tirthankara Mahavir was also born here and he knew as Niganthas. He spent in Vaishali 12 rainy seasons from his total 42 rainy seasons in his ascetic life. Vaishali was also the residence for eminent Jains and Buddhas. They were Siha, Karanapali, Ugga, Pirgiyani and many other Licchavis.