Integrity Score 570
No Records Found
No Records Found
Cunningham mentions that the ruins of Vaishali consist of two distinct groups – one at Besarh itself, and the other at 2 miles to the north-north-west of Besarh, and 1 mile to the south-east of Bakhra, the whole of which must have belonged to the ancient Vaishali, as described by Hieun Tsang. Cunninghham became more definite about the identification of the site with Vaishali, on further confirming physically the descriptions of Hieun Tsang. To begin with the description of the ruins, it will be worthwhile to recall the accounts left behind by the Chinese travellers.
Vaishali described by Fa-Hian
Fa-Hian in the early 5th century visited Vaishali and has mentioned about the stupa called “Weapons laid down”, and about the Buddhist Council. He has mentioned :-
“East from this city ten yojanas, (the travellers) came to the kingdom of Vaisali. North of the city so named is a large forest, having in it the double-galleried vihara where Buddha dwelt, and the tope over half the body of Ananda. Inside the city the woman Ambapali built a vihara in honour of Buddha, which is now standing as it was at first. Three le south of the city, on the west of the road, (is the) garden (which) the same Ambapali presented to Buddha, in which he might reside. When Buddha was about to attain to his pari-nirvana, as he was quitting the city by the west gate, he turned round, and, beholding the city on his right, said to them, “Here I have taken my last walk.” Men subsequently built a tope at this spot.
To be continued.....