Vaishali, is a small village in Bihar surrounded by mango trees, banana plantations and paddy fields. Though currently it is a small village, history and excavations say that Vishali had once been a great cradle of culture and tradition.
In the year 1990, the Japanase Buddists started constructing this Pagoda according to the last wish of the Fujii Guruji who dedicated his life to build World Peace Pagodas all over the world. This Pagoda was completed in the year 1996.
The Pagoda is 118 feet with with 125 feet tall stupa and a diameter of 65 feet. After the completion of the construction of this Pagoda, Vishali have become one of the major tourist attraction of Bihar and also forms the Buddist Tourist circle. The Pagoda was inagurated on October 23rd 1996. The top portion of the stupa is inscribed with Lord Buddha's statues which are made of fiber and glass and polished with gold.
Shanti Pagoda at Vishali have the inscriptions 'Namu Myoho Renge Kyo' which means that I devote myself to the Wonderful Law of the Lotus-Flower Sutra.
How to reach Vaishali?
Vaishali is well connected by road with Patna which is 56 kms away. It is also connected by road with Hazipur - 35kms and Muzzafurpur - 36kms. The nearest airport is also at Patna. Hajipur and Muzzafurpur railway stations are the nearest railway stations which are 35 and 40 kms respectively.
One can also visit the famous Sonepur Cattle fair if they plan to visit Vaishali in the months of October and November.
There are lots of small villages around Vaishali where there are artisans who make sikki work, home made toys, home made mats out of grass, Lac bangles etc.