Relic Stupa of Vaishali
अस्थि स्तूप
The ruins of an earthen stupa built by the Licchavis after they received a share of the Buddha’s relics. A stone relic casket was unearthed here in 1958, and it is one of the eight great relic stupas.
After the Buddha’s parinirvana, his relics were divided into eight portions. The Licchavis of Vaishali received one share and built an earthen stupa here, which was later reinforced in layers of brick by the Maurya, Shunga and Kushan dynasties. In 1958, excavations uncovered a stone relic casket containing ashes, which has since been moved to the newly completed Buddha Enlightenment Exhibition Museum. The site now consists only of a low circular base covered by a shade canopy. It is modest in size but deeply significant, and pilgrim groups from various countries often chant and circumambulate it here. It sits beside Abhishek Pokhar and can be reached on foot from the archaeological museum and the Peace Pagoda. It fits neatly on the same walking route and takes about half an hour to see.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum and Memorial Stupa
- Vaishali Archaeological Museum
- Abhishek Pushkarini
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Vaishali
- Raja Vishal ka Garh
- Ashokan Pillar, Kolhua
- Kesaria Stupa