The temple is
artistically erected and has started attracting pilgrims. On Mahavira Jayanti day
thousands of pilgrims offer puja here. Vaisali was selected as the site for rearing an
institution for the study of Jainology. An ancient Jain image found in the recent
excavations has been preserved. A small museum has been sponsored at Vaisali itself and
a large number of finds are kept there. On the occasion of Mahavira Jayanti a big mela is
held which is attended by thousands of people. Cultural meetings are a usual feature of
the Mahavira Jayanti celebrations.
Vaisali is also important for the Buddhists. Buddha visited the place thrice. It was at
Vaisali that the second great Buddhist Council was held. While sojourning at Vaisali,
Buddha permitted the nuns to enter the Sangh, against his personal wishes, at the request
of Ananda, his favourite disciple, and his foster mother, Maha Prajapati, became the first
Buddhist nun at Vaisali.
