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Presidential Address of Shri R.R. Diwakar Governor of Bihar
On the occasion of the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Institute
Vaishali is a name to conjure with. This place is hardly about twentythree miles from Muzaffarpur. It is associated with the federal republic of the Vajjis as early as the sixth century B.C. It was the federal capital as well as the capital of the Licchavi-clan which was the most powerful of the eight republics which formed the Vajji federation. The republics were run in a very systematic and efficient manner. In organising his religious order Buddha is said to have copied a number of features of the republic set up of the Vajjis.
But the political significance of Vaishali and its formidable citizens, the Licchavis, pales the religious and cultural importance of the place. It was a place loved by Buddha who spent long spells of time preaching there. He designated the people of the place as Timsa gods'. He admired their unity and democratic as well as religious spirit. It was here that Amrapali, the wealthiest and most beautiful courtesan of the palace, surrendered herself and everything beloning to her to Buddha proving thereby that inner peace and integrated personality are a far greater prize than charm of person and love of luxury. Nearby is the stupa of Kolhua, dedicated to Ananda, Buddha's greatest disciple, close to a huge 42 feet Asok pillar crowned by a lion counchant.
What is the most important today however, April 23, 1956 is that Basokund in this area is the birth-place of Vardhamana Mahavira, the last of the Jaina Tirthamkaras and today is his birthday. He is worshipped as the founder of present Jainism. He spent here thirty years of his normal life and twelve years of life after he took samnyas. It is for more than two millenium that a small area in village Basokund
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