Hajipur Knowledge Guide

History

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 Gopalaka 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. Hajipur, earlier in British India was a small town in Muzaffarpur district situated on the confluence of the Ganges and Gandak. Hajipur figures conspicuously in the history of struggles between Akbar and the rebellious Afghan karrani rulers of Bengal. Hajipur (Vaishali) finds its origin way back in history from the Mahabharata period. It is the place where democracy found its origin around 600 BC. Ancient Licchavi 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.