Hajipur is a small village situated
in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 10 km from
the capital city of Patna. In the ancient time, it was known as Ukkacala
and was the first village to come after crossing River Ganga 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
also houses some of the ashes of Ananda, the closest disciple and
personnel attendant of Lord Buddha.
There is a legend associated with the Hajipur village in India. It is
believed that Ananda, after realizing that his end was drawing near,
decide to move towards the north of Rajgir town. As soon as King
Ajatashatru came to know about this, he went after Ananda, escorted by
his entire staff. Soon the news of Ananda's arrival reached the people
of Vaishali and they started gathering at the banks of the River Ganga
to welcome him. By the time King Ajatashatru caught up with Ananda, he
was already in the middle of the river.
People of Vaishali, from one bank, and King Ajatashatru, from the other,
started requesting him to come over to their side. In order to avoid
disappointment and possible conflict, Ananda rose into the air and
disappeared into a ball of flames. His ashes fell on both the banks of
the river. On either bank, a stupa was built at the same spot where the
ashes fell. With the river changing its course over time, the stupa on
the southern bank got washed away. Even the one on the northern bank is
now a grassy mound. Over this mound a Hindu temple has been built, known
as Ramchaura Mandir.
How to Reach Hajipur
By Air
The nearest airport of Patna is well connected with almost all the
major cities in India.
By Rail
Hajipur has a railway station of its own.
By Road
There are frequent bus and taxi services for Hajipur, from Patna.
