Pawapuri is a holy site for the Jains. It is situated in the Nalanda district of Bihar state in Eastern India. A long time ago, Pawapuri was the twin capital of Mall Mahajanpad. Mahajanpad later became a part of the kingdom of Magadha and Ajatshatru was a devotee of Lord Mahavira. During the rule of Ajatshatru, the king of Pawapuri was known as Hastipal. When in Pawapuri, Mahavira stayed in the Rajikshala of the king. It is considered as a sacred place because Lord Mahavira was buried here in 500 BC.
Pawapuri has also been given the name Apapuri meaning sinless town since Lord Mahavira was cremated here. After the cremation had been done, there was a rush while collecting the ashes which led to the removal of a layer of soil thereby resulting in the formation of a pond. This pond was later converted into a lotus pond, and a marble temple named Jalmandir was built in the centre of the pond. The place is very rich in culture and has high heritage value. Some traditional festivals celebrated here include Rajgir Dance Festival and Chhath Puja. Various classical dances are performed in the Rajgir Dance Festival.
Jal Mandir, Pawapuri
The Jal Mandir meaning Water Temple (also known as Apapuri) in Pawapuri (Bihar) is a highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Thirthankara (religious preacher of Jainism) and founder of Jain religion, which marks the place of his cremation. Mahavira attained Nirvana (salvation) in Pawapuri in 528 BC. The temple has been built within a tank filled with red coloured lotus flowers. It is said that the temple was built by King Nandivardhan, Mahavira’s elder brother. It is one of the five main temples in Pawpuri, where the “Charan Paduka” or foot impression of Mahavira is deified.
Jal Mandir is built in white marble within the water tank; the tank measures 16.8 acres. The water surface of the lake is covered with lotuses. This architecturally elegant temple in the form of a “Vimana” or chariot has the footprint of Mahavira for worship. A 600 feet (180 m) long bridge built in stone connects the temple with the bank of the water tank. The temple shines bright and sublime during a moonlit night. The pond has many species of fish which are fed by the priests and devotees.
Other Attractions:
- Gaon Mandir
- Samosaran
- Gunajayaji
Places to visit around Pawapuri
There are many more beautiful places which can be visited in Pawapuri. These include Jal Mandir which is built in the middle of the lotus pond, Gaon Mandir which is the temple of the village and the place where Lord Mahavira took his last breath. Samosaran temple is the place where Mahavira used to deliver preaching to his disciples, Gunayaji village which is located 20 km away from Pawapuri and is the place where Shri Gunayaji Teerth Temple is situated.
Best Time To Visit Pawapuri
Though the beach is a popular spot and is visited by tourists throughout the year, the best time to visit it is during the months of October to March because the climate is less humid during this time of the year.
How To Reach Pawapuri
The nearest airport is at a 101 km from Patna. The nearest railway station is also located there which is almost 90 km away. One can either hire a taxi or travel via bus to the desired location.
Air: The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
Rail: Though Rajgir itself has a railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Patna 90.kms.
Road: A taxi or bus can be taken from Patna, Rajgir, Gaya or other major cities of Bihar to visit Pawapuri.