Pawapuri
Pawapuri is a small town in the Nalanda district of the Indian state of Bihar. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Jain community and is considered one of the most important places of worship for Jains.
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, which means "sinless town," and is believed to be the place where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain religion, attained nirvana, or spiritual liberation, around 2500 years ago. The town is said to be located where Mahavira was cremated and is believed to be free of sin and impurities.
The main attraction of Pawapuri is the Jal Mandir, a magnificent white marble temple in the middle of a large pond called Jalashaya. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. It is one of the most important Jain temples in India.
The Jal Mandir is a beautiful example of Jain architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Lord Mahavira. The temple is surrounded by a lush garden and is accessed by a series of steps leading down to the water. Devotees dip in the pond before entering the temple to symbolise purification and spiritual cleansing.
Pawapuri is also home to several other Jain temples, including the Samosharan Temple, where Lord Mahavira is believed to have given his last sermon before attaining nirvana. The temple is a popular destination for pilgrims worldwide to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Pawapuri symbolises the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bihar and is a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion. It is a peaceful and serene place where visitors can experience a sense of spiritual calm and tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Places To Visit In Bihar Near Pawapuri
Jalmandir:
This temple is located in the middle of a tank and is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. It is said that Lord Mahavira took his last breath in Pawapuri, and his mortal remains were cremated here. The temple is accessible through a boat ride, which adds to the spiritual experience.
Samosharan:
This is the spot where Lord Mahavira delivered his last sermon before attaining Moksha. The site has a massive statue of Lord Mahavira in the preaching position, and the temple's architecture is also worth noticing.
Makhdoom Kund:
This is an important pilgrimage site for Jains and Muslims. It is believed that the water of this kund (tank) has healing powers and can cure skin diseases.
Nalanda University:
Located around 20 km from Pawapuri, Nalanda University is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous tourist attraction. It was one of the world's oldest universities and was a centre of learning for Buddhist and Jain philosophy.
Rajgir:
Around 35 km from Pawapuri, Rajgir is another historical town worth visiting. It was the capital of the Magadha Empire during the Buddha's time and had many historical sites, such as the Venuvana Vihar, Gridhrakuta Hill, and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
Nearby Places
