The relic stupa and the coronation tank
After the Buddha's death and cremation at Kushinagar, his relics were divided among eight claimants, according to Buddhist texts. The Licchavis of Vaishali received one share and built a stupa over it. Excavations in 1958 uncovered a mud stupa enlarged in brick over several centuries, and inside it a stone casket containing ashes, a copper coin and other offerings.
The casket was long displayed in Patna. A new museum and memorial stupa have been built at Vaishali to house it, so check current status before you travel to see where it is shown. The excavated stupa itself is protected under a shelter.
Nearby, the Abhishek Pushkarini is a large tank whose water was, by tradition, used to anoint the Licchavi rulers. On its bank stands a white peace pagoda built by the same Japanese order as the one at Rajgir. Together they make a calm stop of about an hour.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Where are the Buddha's relics from Vaishali kept?
The relic casket excavated at Vaishali in 1958 was long displayed in Patna. A new museum and memorial stupa were built at Vaishali to bring it back to the site. Display arrangements have changed over the years, so check current status before you travel if seeing the casket is important to you.
What is the Abhishek Pushkarini?
It is a large ancient tank in Vaishali whose water, according to tradition, was used for the coronation, or abhishek, of the Licchavi rulers. It was considered sacred and was guarded. Today it is the setting for the Japanese peace pagoda on its far bank.
Who built the peace pagoda at Vaishali?
The white Vishwa Shanti Stupa at Vaishali was built by Nipponzan Myohoji, the Japanese Buddhist order that also built the peace pagoda at Rajgir. It holds Buddha images and relics and stands beside the Abhishek Pushkarini tank. It is a calm place to sit at the end of a visit.
Also in Vaishali
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