Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t11.4

v1.c7.s2.t11.4

Vaishali's linkages with Jainism were equally intimate. Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankar of the Jains, was born in Kshatriyakund at the outskirts of the city to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishila. He lived there till the age of 22. After attaining enlightenment, he returned here and spent 12 of his 42 rainy seasons. Presently, the Government of Bihar celebrates the birthday of Lord Mahavir on the full moon day in Vaishakh (mid-April) as Vaishali Mahotsava (Great Fair). The place has become a famous tourist site. Besides ruins of various monuments linked with Buddhism and Jainism, there is a huge mound with a circumference about 1 km which is said to be the ancient parliament house of Lichchavis as well as a coronation tank in the sacred water of which an elected representative was anointed before swearing-in. Among the modern addition is the World Peace Stupa built by Japanese Buddhists.