It is held that the town derives its name from King Vishal, whose heroic deeds
are narrated in the Hindu epic Ramayana. However, history records that around
the time Pataliputra was the centre of political activity in the Gangetic plains,
Vaishali came into existence as centre of the Ganga, it was the seat of the
Republic of Vajji. Vaishali is credited with being the World's First Republic
to have a duly elected assembly of representatives and efficient administration.
The Lord Buddha visited Vaishali more than once during his lifetime and announced
his approaching Mahaparinirvana to the great followers he had here. Hundred
years after he attained Mahaparinirvana, it was the venue of the second Buddhist
Council. According to one belief, the Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir was born
at Vaishali.
Vaishali is significant to both Buddhists and Jains. Lord Buddha preached his
first sermon, and announced his impending Nirvana here. To commemorate the importance
of the site, Emperor Ashoka erected one of his famous pillars.
