Pawapuri

Pawapuri the most sacred place of the Jains -----

Pawapuri was at this place that Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth Tirthankar attained “Nirvana” or eternal salvation from the cycle of death and birth in the year 527 BC. The Pictures shows the “Charan Paduka” housed in Jal Mandir, one of the 5 main temples in Pawapuri. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of the Lord Mahavira was creamated.

Pawapuri is situated in Bihar, India and its proximity to the capital city, Patna makes it approachable to pilgrims and tourists alike. It is situated on the Patna-Ranchi road and can be approached either from Nawadah or Bihar Sharif.

During ancient times about 2600 year ago, Pawapuri was the part of Magadha Kingdom and was called “Madyama Pawa” or “Apawapuri”, Ajatshatru, the son of King Shrenik who was one of the greatest disciples of Lord Mahavira was the King of Magadh during the lifetime of Mahavir. During the reign of Ajatshatru King Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. When Lord Mahavira came to Pawapuri he stayed in King Hastipal’s “Rajikshala”.

There are five main temples in Pawapuri – the Jal Mandir,the Gaon Mandir,the Samosaran,the New Samosaran and another temple built by Bibi Mehetab Kumari. Apart from these temples there is a Digamber Mandir near Jal mandir.

Jal mandir as the name suggests is a temple in the middle of a lake blooming with lotuses. The main deity of the beautiful temple is a very old “Charan Paduka” of Lord Mahavira. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of Lord Mahavira was cremated. It is believed that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira.

Jal Mandir is built in the shape of “Vimana” and there is a stone bridge about 600 feet in length across it from the bank to the temple.

According to the legend, the concourse of the people who attended the funeral ceremony of Lord Mahavira , was so large that the mere act of their taking a pinch of ashes created such a big hollow over the place that it transformed into present tank.

The sheer beauty , along with the peace and tranquility of this temple is a treat to the eyes of the visitors.

 Pawapuri or Pavapuri also called Apapuri is a prominent Sidha Ksetra Jaina Tirtha situated 8 kms from Bihar Sarif and 31 kilometres from   Rajgir. By road it is 87 kilometres  from  Patna. It is located on Bahktiapur  Rajgir railway line. Buses and taxies also run from Rajgir to Pawapri.

  History

  During ancient times about 2600 year ago, Pawapuri was the part of Magadha Kingdom and was called "Madyama Pawa" or "Apawapuri", Ajatshatru, the son of King Shrenik who was one of the greatest disciples of Lord Mahavira was the King of Magadh during the lifetime of Mahavir. During the reign of Ajatshatru King Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. When Lord Mahavira came to Pawapuri he stayed in King Hastipal's "Rajikshala".

 Having attained omniscience (Kevala- nana) on the bank of Rju-kula and after preaching the principle of Jainism through his divine voice (divya-dhvani), Lord Mahavira toured over different areas of the country and propounded the religious doctrines. Afterwards he reached Pavapuri and seated himself on a clan or pure slab of stone in a park studded with many ponds. He did not move out for two days; and plunged in pure meditation (sukla- dhyana). He quitted the mortal coil and became a Siddha in the last quarter of the night of the 14th day of the black half of the month of Kartika.

There are five main temples in Pawapuri - the Jal Mandir, the Gaon Mandir, the Samosaran, the New Samosaran and another temple built by Bibi Mehetab Kumari. Apart from these temples there is a Digambar Jain Mandir near Jal mandir.

 The Gaon mandir or the village temple marks the spot where Lord Mahavira breathed his last. It is said that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira.

  Jal mandir is a temple in the middle of a lake blooming with lotuses. The main deity of the beautiful temple is a very old "Charan Paduka" of Lord Mahavira. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of Lord Mahavira was cremated. It is believed that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira. Jal Mandir is built in the shape of "Vimana" and there is a stone bridge about 600 feet in length across it from the bank to the temple.

 Lord Mahavira attained nirvana in a park, near Pavapuri, round about which there were many pounds or lakes.  At present the site of the nirvana of Mahavira is accepted near Bihar-Sherif where a magnificent Jain temple stands in the centre of a big lake. This is accepted as the tirtha-ksetra on all hands. Both the sects, Digambra and Svetambra, have voluntarily accepted this place as the spot of the nirvana of Mahavira. A marble temple, the Jalmandir, was later built in  the middle of the tank, where Lord.  Mahavira attained salvation.  Another beautiful Jain temple of white marble called Samosharan is located at this place. Bhagwawan Mahavira had delivered his sermon here. The best time time to visit Pawapuri is between October and March.