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Jal Mandir

Pawapuri, Bihar, India
Details: The Jal Mandir, or Water Temple, is arguably the most iconic and visually stunning Jain shrine in India. It is built in the middle of a vast lake known as Kamal Sarovar (Lotus Lake), which spreads over 16.8 acres. This temple marks the exact location where the mortal remains of Lord Mahavir a were cremated. Legend has it that the demand for the Lord's ashes was so great that devotees scooped up vast amounts of soil from the cremation site, eventually creating the massive pit that became the current lake. The temple is reached by a 600-foot-long stone bridge that seems to float on the water. Inside the shrine, the Charan Paduka (foot impressions) of Lord Mahavira are deified, marking the spot of his final rites. Surrounded by blooming red and white lotuses, the temple serves as a powerful symbol of purity emerging from the mundane world. It is a place where nature and divinity coexist in perfect harmony. During moonlit nights, the white marble of the temple reflects brilliantly in the water, creating a surreal and heavenly atmosphere that draws thousands of tourists and spiritual seekers every year.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    Duration: 2 to 3 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Category: Religious, Historical & Scenic
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fees:

    Free Entry: Entry is free. There are no tickets for the temple or the bridge. ...
    Entry Fees:

    Free Entry: Entry is free. There are no tickets for the temple or the bridge.
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    Timing:
    Timings:

    Regular

    Timings:
    5:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:30 AM for the sunrise or 5:00 PM for the sunset. ...
    Timings:

    Regular

    Timings:
    5:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:30 AM for the sunrise or 5:00 PM for the sunset.
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    Special Events:
    Special Event:

    Diwali - The Day of Light: Diwali is the biggest event here. The temple is decorated with thousands of lights, and a special 151 KG Ladoo is offered to the Lord at midnight to mark the moment of his Nirvana. ...
    Special Event:

    Diwali - The Day of Light: Diwali is the biggest event here. The temple is decorated with thousands of lights, and a special 151 KG Ladoo is offered to the Lord at midnight to mark the moment of his Nirvana.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Photo Spots:

    The Floating Marvel: The best spot is the entrance of the bridge, capturing the long walkway leading to the temple. Another great spot is the corner of the lake bank during sunset, where the temple's white marble glows orange. ...
    Photo Spots:

    The Floating Marvel: The best spot is the entrance of the bridge, capturing the long walkway leading to the temple. Another great spot is the corner of the lake bank during sunset, where the temple's white marble glows orange. The close-ups of the lotuses with the temple in the background are also iconic.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Things to Do:

    A Full Experience: Walk slowly across the 600-foot bridge, feeling the lake breeze. Offer flowers or "Dhoop" at the main shrine. Spend time sitting on the marble steps of the bridge, observing the lotuses. You can take a boat ride (if available/permitted during festivals) to see the temple from different angles. Photography here is a must, especially during the "Golden Hour" of sunset. You can also feed the fish in the lake, which is considered a meritorious act in Jainism. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Why Famous:

    The Epitome of Jain Pilgrimage: The Jal Mandir is famous for being the cremation site of the 24th Tirthankara. It is globally recognized for its unique "temple in a lake" setting. It is also famous for the Nirvana Ladoo ceremony...
    Why Famous:

    The Epitome of Jain Pilgrimage: The Jal Mandir is famous for being the cremation site of the 24th Tirthankara. It is globally recognized for its unique "temple in a lake" setting. It is also famous for the Nirvana Ladoo ceremony during Diwali, where a massive sweet is offered to the Lord.
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    Architecture:
    Architecture:

    The Vimana on Water: The Jal Mandir is a masterpiece of Jain architecture, designed in the shape of a Vimana (celestial chariot). The entire structure is built of white marble, which stands in stark contrast to the blue water a...
    Architecture:

    The Vimana on Water: The Jal Mandir is a masterpiece of Jain architecture, designed in the shape of a Vimana (celestial chariot). The entire structure is built of white marble, which stands in stark contrast to the blue water and green lotuses. The temple platform is rectangular, measuring roughly 80x60 feet. The central dome is surrounded by smaller shrines, and the walls are adorned with delicate bas-reliefs. The 600-foot stone bridge is a feat of ancient engineering, featuring stone railings with intricate patterns. The interior sanctum is kept simple to maintain focus on the Charan Paduka, which is placed on a raised marble pedestal. The symmetry of the building is perfect, representing the Jain concept of cosmic balance.
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    How To Reach:
    How to Reach:

    Central Access:

    By Air: Patna (101 KM).

    By Train: Rajgir (15 KM) is the best station.

    By Road: Right off the NH-20.

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    Near Tourist Places:
    Near Tourist Places: 1. Gaon Mandir (1 KM), 2. Samosharan Temple (1. 2 KM), 3. Nalanda University (13 KM), 4. Rajgir (15 KM), 5. Swarajpur (3 KM), 6. Vishwa Shanti Stupa (19 KM), 7. Bimbisara Jail (16 KM), 8. Venu Vana (16 KM), 9. Gridhakuta Hill (20 KM), 10. Bihar Sharif (12 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Tourism Tips:

    Visitor Advice:

    Health: Wear sunglasses as the white marble reflection can be bright.

    Packing: Carry a camera with a good zoom for bird photography.

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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