Pawapuri
Place Details: Pawapuri is a profoundly sacred pilgrimage site for Jains located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. Historically known as Apapapuri, which translates to a town without sins, it is the hallowed ground where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Moksha (liberation) in 527 BC. Th e town is most famous for the Jal Mandir, a stunning white marble temple situated in the center of a large water tank filled with red lotuses. Legend says the demand for Lord Mahavira's funeral ashes was so immense that a vast amount of soil was removed by devotees, creating the hollow that eventually became this magnificent pond. The serene atmosphere of Pawapuri offers a spiritual retreat from the hustle of modern life, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists annually. It stands as a symbol of peace, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Place Idea Duration: 3 to 5 Hours.Place Type:
Place Category: Pilgrimage, Historical, ReligiouEntry Fees:
Place Entry Fees:
General Entry: Access to the temples is free for all visitors.
Donations: Devotees often contribute to temple maintenance. ...Place Entry Fees:
General Entry: Access to the temples is free for all visitors.
Donations: Devotees often contribute to temple maintenance.Timing:
Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning or late evening for the best lighting and peace. ...Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning or late evening for the best lighting and peace.Special Events:
Place Special Event:
Deepawali: The most significant festival celebrated with thousands of lamps as it marks the anniversary of Mahavira's Nirvana. ...Place Special Event:
Deepawali: The most significant festival celebrated with thousands of lamps as it marks the anniversary of Mahavira's Nirvana.Best Photo Spots:
Place Best Photo Spots:
Bridge View: Capturing the temple's reflection from the stone bridge.
Lotus Pond: Close-up shots of the blooming red lotuses against the white marble. ...Place Best Photo Spots:
Bridge View: Capturing the temple's reflection from the stone bridge.
Lotus Pond: Close-up shots of the blooming red lotuses against the white marble.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
@@Sub Place Details: The Digambar Jain Mandir in Pawapuri is a primary pilgrimage destination for followers of the Digambar sect. Located very close to the Jal Mandir, this temple complex is renowned for its antiquity and the spiritual energy it preserves. It serves as a major center for religious activities, especially during the Nirvana anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The temple is dedicated to the 24th Tirthankara and houses several ancient idols carved with meticulous detail. The complex includes various "Vedis" (altars) where different Tirthankaras are worshipped. The atmosphere here is one of deep austerity and devotion, reflecting the core values of the Digambar tradition which emphasizes renunciation and the shedding of worldly possessions. For many pilgrims, a visit to Pawapuri is incomplete without offering prayers at this specific shrine. The temple also serves as a hub for scholars and monks who stay here during their travels, making it a place of constant spiritual discourse and learning. The architecture, though renovated over time, still retains the essence of traditional Jain temple design with its intricate carvings and serene prayer halls. It is a place where one can observe the traditional rituals of the Digambar sect in their most authentic form.
@@Sub Place Details: This temple, often referred to as the Svetambara Gaon Mandir, is the counterpart to the Digambar village shrine and serves the Svetambara sect of Jainism. It is located within the same historic village area and is dedicated to the memory of Lord Mahavira's final stay in the region. The temple is beautifully decorated with colorful motifs and traditional Jain paintings that are characteristic of the Svetambara style. The idols here are adorned with "Angi" (decorative ornaments and silver/gold foil), which is a distinct feature of this sect's worship. The temple is a center for community gathering for the local Svetambara families and pilgrims. It maintains a very high standard of cleanliness and ritual purity. The "Bhojanshala" associated with this temple is famous for serving traditional, high-quality Jain meals. For a traveler, visiting both the Digambar and Svetambara village temples provides a complete perspective on the different ways the same holy event—the Lord's Nirvana—is commemorated and celebrated by different traditions within Jainism. The temple atmosphere is vibrant yet deeply respectful, offering a colorful and spiritual experience.
@@Details: Gunayaji Temple, also known as Guniyaji, is a vital pilgrimage stop on the Jain circuit near Pawapuri. This temple is dedicated to Gautam Swami, the first and most prominent disciple (Ganadhara) of Lord Mahavira. It is believed that at this very spot, Gautam Swami attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) after years of rigorous meditation and devotion. The temple is situated beside a large, tranquil lake, which adds to its spiritual aura. Historically, the site was known as Gunashil Chaitya, a place where Lord Mahavira himself stayed and preached numerous times. The current structure is an oasis of calm, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The main idol of Gautam Swami is carved from white marble and exudes a sense of deep serenity. For Jains, a visit to Pawapuri is often considered incomplete without paying homage at Guniyaji, as it represents the peak of a disciple's journey toward enlightenment. The temple complex also houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Mahavira, emphasizing the bond between the master and his disciple.
@@Sub Place Details: The Samosharan Mandir is a unique architectural and spiritual site that commemorates the spot where Lord Mahavira delivered his divine sermons. In Jain cosmology, a "Samosharan" is a multi-tiered, circular preaching hall created by celestial beings whenever a Tirthankara attains Keval Gnan (omniscience). This temple is designed to replicate that divine structure. It is said that at this spot, the Lord's voice reached all beings—humans, animals, and gods—alike, teaching the path of peace and liberation. The temple is built of shimmering white marble and is situated very close to the Jal Mandir. The energy of the place is focused on "Gnan" or knowledge. Inside, the temple features a circular arrangement that leads to a central point where the Lord's seat is symbolically placed. It is a place where many pilgrims sit for hours to read scriptures or meditate on the teachings of Jainism. The surrounding gardens are well-maintained, providing a quiet space for reflection. The temple serves as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual heights attained by the Tirthankara, making it a vital stop for anyone wishing to understand the philosophical depth of the Jain faith.
@@Details: The Gaon Mandir, also known as the Village Temple or Thal Mandir, is a site of immense spiritual significance for the Jain community. It marks the exact spot where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, breathed his last and attained Nirvana in 527 BCE. According to ancient scriptures, the temple stands on the ground where the Lord delivered his final sermon, which lasted for forty-eight hours without a break. This "Last Preaching" was attended by a vast gathering of devotees, including kings and commoners alike. The atmosphere here is deeply meditative, allowing visitors to connect with the final moments of the Great Soul. It is believed that after his passing, the entire village was illuminated with lamps, a tradition that gave birth to the festival of Diwali. The temple complex is expansive and serves as the administrative hub for the local Jain trust. It provides a peaceful sanctuary for pilgrims who come from across the globe to pay their respects. The sanctum sanctorum houses a beautiful idol of Lord Mahavira, and the energy of the place is said to provide instant mental peace to those who enter with a pure heart.Show All
@@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 Mahavira 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.Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Place:
Final Nirvana: It is the site where Lord Mahavira attained salvation.
The Jal Mandir: Known globally for its unique architecture of a temple floating on water. ...Why Famous Place:
Final Nirvana: It is the site where Lord Mahavira attained salvation.
The Jal Mandir: Known globally for its unique architecture of a temple floating on water. -
Architecture:
Place Architecture:
Temple Design: The Jal Mandir is built in the form of a Vimana (chariot) using pristine white marble.
Dimensions: The temple sits within a massive water tank measuring 84 Bighas (approx 16...Place Architecture:
Temple Design: The Jal Mandir is built in the form of a Vimana (chariot) using pristine white marble.
Dimensions: The temple sits within a massive water tank measuring 84 Bighas (approx 16. 8 acres) and is connected to the shore by a 600-foot long stone bridge. -
How To Reach:
Place How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna, located 101 KM away.
By Train: Rajgir Railway Station (19 KM) is the most convenient hub.
By ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Place Near Tourist Places: Nalanda Ruins (22 KM), Rajgir (19 KM), Bihar Sharif (15 KM), Kundalpur (25 KM), Giriak (10 KM), Telhara (45 KM), Hilsa (50 KM), Silao (18 KM), Ghoda Katora (22 KM), Vishwa Shanti Stupa (30 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Carry bottled water and wear hats for sun protection.
Packing: Wear modest clothing suitable for religious sites; carry light woolens in December.
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Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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