Hajipur Vaishali Bihar

In the ancient time, it was known as Ukkacala and was the first village to come after crossing River Ganges at Patna. The village of Hajipur gained significance, as it was the venue of one of the discourses given by Lord Buddha. Buddha preached the Cula Goplalaka Sutta, a Middle Length Discourse, here. Along with that, it is also of interest because a portion of Ananda's ashes were enshrined in the town, the closest disciple of Lord Buddha.Ananda acted as the Buddha's personal attendant for twenty years and outlived him by several decades.[1] Hajipur, earlier in British India was a small town in muzaffarpur district of Bengal situated on the confluence of the Ganges and gandak. Hajipur figures conspicuously in the history of struggles between Akbar and his rebellious Afghan governors of Bengal.

Hajipur (Vaishali)-find its origin way back in history from the mahabharata period. It is the place where democracy found its origin around 600BC.Ancient Lichhavi republic was established in this land only. It is the place where Lord Mahavir took birth and Gautam Buddha delivered his last sermon and announced his Parinirvana. It is also renowned as the land of Ambapali (Amrapali), the great Indian courtesan.

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Hajipur is the headquarters of Vaishali after its separation from Muzaffarpur on 12/10/1972. It is located at 25.68°N 85.22°E.[2] It has an average elevation of 46 metres (150 ft). The district has 3 subdivisions, 16 blocks, 191 Gram Panchyat & 1638 villages and is surrounded by Muzaffarpur (North), Patna (South), Samastipur (East) and Saran (West).

The Hajipur town being bounded by Narayani Gandak river in the west and holy Ganges in the south, has scope of further expansion in east and north direction only. Very Good network of rail, road and water transport exists in the town connecting it with other parts of district as well as state and country. Famous Mahatma Gandhi Setu (5575m long, Prestressed box culvert type RCC bridge) over river Ganges connects it with Patna, the state capital while another rail and road bridge over Gandak connects it with Sonepur.

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Places of interest

Addalpur.[5]

It is one of the most famous villages of Hajipur owing to its geographical, mythological as well as communicational importance. It is well beside the zonal office of Eastern-Central Railway as well as the Railway Junction in addition to its connectivity with different means of road transport. Many popular figures of the town belong to this aspiring niche.

Ramchaura Mandir.[6]

The Ramchaura Mandir is on top of the Aananda Stupa. A Hindu temple, Pataleshwara Nath is situated on the western outskirts of Hajipur. Go to the centre of town and ask for the way to Ramchaura. The temple on the top of the stupa is called Ramchaura Mandir. A famous temple named Budi Maai is in Ismailpur (Harauli) village of Hajipur.

Kachari maidan.[7] A place for all the sports related action in Hajipur.

Mahadev Math in Rajason situated on the bank of river Ganges. It is also a historical temple.

Maamu Bhanja (Mazaar of maamu bhanja) a Muslim pilgrimage near jadhua on hajipur mahnar road has many old history. every year an urs celebrates here.

Kaun Haara Ghat.[8]

It is considered one of the main ghats of Ganga-Gandak, where worshiping and cremation has been performed for centuries. This ghat has got its name based on an ancient legend. According to this legend, "The famous fight of Gaja(elephant)-Graah (crocodile), which is well covered in Indian scrdiptures, is the reason behind people asking -kaun haara. Hence the name. Scriptures tell that Lord Vishnu had to interfere in the fight to save his devotee Gajaraj, who was being drowned by crocodile. Both Gaja and Grah were gandharavas. But due to some curse they became Gaja and Graah. Lord Visnu killed Graah to give him instant salvation, and saved life Of Gajaraj. The depiction Of fighting Gaja Graah is an emblem for the city, and is prominently shown on the Hajipur railway station's dome, and other notable places.

Nepali Mandir.[9]

West of Hajipur, on the confluence of the Gangas and the Gandak is situated this unique Shaivite shrine. Made in the late medieval period (18th century), by (Mathabar Singh Thapa) one of the army commanders of Nepal, the temple brings-in a fresh pagoda-style architecture of the Himalayan Kingdom to the plains of the Ganges. This temple is built largely of wood. Another distinctive feature of this temple is its fine wooden carving, which includes, of others, generous erotic scenes. Both in style and finish, largely drawn in from the Himalayan world of architecture, Nepali Temple at Hajipur remains quite singular and inimitable.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu.[10]

The Mahatma Gandhi Setu (bridge) is the important link between north and south Bihar. It has been constructed over the Ganges near village Jadhua and connects Hajipur with Patna. This is one of longest river bridge having length of 6.75 km. The four lane prestressed RCC bridge was commissioned into service during the year 1982. Traveller get an enthralling experience and panoramic view of lush green banana plantations by Crossing the bridge.

Shri Maha Prabhuji's Baithakji at Helabazar, Hajipur.[11]

Lord Krishna Temple (Aacharya Prabhuji Ki Baithak) is one of the oldest temple of Hajipur which is managed by the trusty of Gujrat.[12] There are 84 Mahaprabhuji Baithaks in India. Shri Mahaprabhuji graced this earth for 52 years and 2 months during which thrice aapshri toured India barefoot only to spread the principles of Pushtimarg.[13] Conducting Shrimad Bhagwat seminars, debating with scholars and heads of other religions and establishing the ethics of “Shudhadvaita Brahmavada” was a great task that aapshri undertook. Till date also innumerable vaishnavs travel by rail and road to visit these Baithaks, at times travelling on hazardous roads leading to remotely situated Baithaks in forests and on mountains and take immense divine pleasure in paying respects to Shri Mahaprabhuji and performing any given tasks (Seva).[14]

Sonepur Fair.[15]

Located opposite Hajipur, is a small place of Sonepur where fortnight long cattle fair is held every year starting from Kartik full moon day (October/November). The place goes lively at the onset of winter with the mass holy deep in river Gandak by Hindu at Kaun-hara Ghat. Besides being claimed as the biggest animal fair in Asia, the fair entertain visitors with circus, Tamasha (folk plays), Nautanki (folk dances) and sell everything from elephants to birds; agricultural equipments to vanity items; winter garments to wooden furnitures. Government Department of Rural Development, Department of Agriculture etc. organises training and exihibitions for the farmers coming from all over. The visitors can stay in hotels at Hajipur or they can hire luxury Swiss cottages erected on sand dunes beside river Gandak. The tent and cottages are provided by State Tourism Department only during fair.

Vaishali Mahotsava.[16]

Ancient village of Vaishali is located 35 km North-West of Hajipur. The place can be reached by road and offers many archeological places to see which includes Buddha Stupa, Ashokan Piller, Abhisek Puskarani (coronation Tank of Vajji Rulers) etc. All the places can be seen during day long visit by arranging a private transport. Vaishali Mahotsava (great celebration) is held every year on Baisakh Purnima (Full Moon Day of 1st Hindu Month) during mid-April to celebrate the birth anniversary of 24th Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir who born here in the village Kundalpur, 4 km from Vaishali. The soil of this land is blessed by the visit of Lord Buddha twice during 3rd century BC.

Hazrat Anjan Peer Saha Baba - It is located 4 km from gadai sarai. It is founded by Hazrat Anjaan Peer Saha Baba in 1780 AD. Many of famous leaders visited this place.