Pawapuri is created to enshrine the memories of Mahavira Jina, the founder and the Thirthankara of the Jaina religion. The Jal Mandir is built by King Nandivardhan, also the brother of Lord Mahavira during the 528 BC. This is one of the oldest temple complexes in India that dates back almost 2600 years ago.

Location Bihar, Nalanda, Patna

Legend

During that phase, Pawapuri, also called as Apawapuri was a significant part of the Magadha Kingdom where King Ajatshatru - an ardent follower of Lord Mahavira was the then ruler. Once the Lord visited Pawapuri that was then under the rule of King Hastipal and He stayed there at Rajikshala and attained omniscience by the banks of Rju-kula. The Jains call this attainment as Kevala- nana. Lord Mahavira coded the preaching principles of Jainism and from then onwards He travelled different parts of the country to preach Jainism. In His Divya Vani or Divine voice, Lord Mahavira used to preach the teachings of Jainism.

Once He reached Pawapuri and sat on a stone that was surrounded by many lotuses and He meditated there for two days. During this phase of meditation, the lord didn't move and He dived into the pure mediation called sukla- dhyana. Lord Mahavira left his mortal body behind and attained Siddha during the last quarter on the 14th day of the darker half of the month of Kartika. In the night, of the 14th day of the Kartika month, He left the mortal coil and reconciled into the oblivion.

Architecture

At present the Charan Paduka of Lord Mahavira Jina is enshrined at the Jal Mandir of Pawapuri temple complex. It was built to commemorate the event of Mahavira's attainment of Siddha Prapti and also for the place where He left His mortal bondages at the age of 72.

The temple is built in the middle of a pond/water body. It was actually the place where Lord Mahavira was cremated and to enshrine that event most of the holy soil was dug out to create the beautiful water body. Later on, the temple known as Jal Mandir was erected in the middle of the water that always remains full of enchanting lotuses. The lotuses are planted and maintained to give it a feel of a natural Padmasana. The lake covers around 16.8 acres of total area.

King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira took the endeavor to build the breathtaking Jal Mandir in the shape of a Vimana in memory of Lord Mahavira Jina. The main temple connects the land with a beautifully sculptured stone bridge, which is around 600 feet long connecting the land and the shrine.

Within the temple complex two other significant temples are built - Gaon Temple and Samosharan. The Gaon temple was built to commemorate the mortal death of the Tirthankara.

The magnificent marble Jain temple is an equally important shrine for both the Swetambaras and the Digambaras as Lord Mahavira attained salvation (Nirvana) here at the Jal Mandir Complex.

Culture

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar.  Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.

Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.

The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar. Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Picture Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

October to March is the best time to visit Jal Mandir. People of all religions are welcome here. But devotees are asked to maintain silence whenever they are visiting the Jain tirth.

Darsan Dresscode

Modest clothing is preferred.

Famous Festival

October - Diwali

Diwali is observed by the Jains at Pawapuri as they believe that on this day Lord Mahavira left His mortal body and was abolished in the oblivion. Famously known as Lord Mahavira's Nirvana day.

Special Rituals

Diwali is specially celebrated by the jainas here as on this very day of Karthik Masa, Lord Mahavir left His mortal life behind and attained Siddha.

Additional Info

 

Affordable and delicious food is served at the Bhojanshala situated within the temple complex.

 

 Supermarket : Available