The Nirvana Sthali (Moksha Bhoomi) of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, is located at Pawapuri in Nalanda district of Bihar. It is believed that Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana here on the day of Kartik Amavasya in 527 BC and gave his last sermon. The main attraction of this place is the Water Temple. This temple made of white marble in the middle of a pond is not only the center of faith for the followers of Jainism, but a large number of devotees of Hindu religion also come here for darshan and take inspiration from the life philosophy of Lord Mahavir Swami.
In fact the Jal Mandir is the place where the last rites of the Lord took place. In this way, the Water Temple is not only a symbol of the faith and belief of the followers of Jainism, but is also a very beautiful center of attraction for tourists. The amazing architecture and serene atmosphere of the Water Temple inspires tourists and devotees to spend peaceful moments. Here, the whirlpools hovering over the white lotus flowers blooming in the pond create a panoramic natural and spiritual scene. A huge fair is organized here every year on the full moon day of Kartik month. In this, Jain followers not only from different areas of India but also from all over the world come and worship Lord Mahavir Swami.
Important part of Jain pilgrimage circuit
The temple is an important part of the Jain pilgrimage circuit attracting spiritual seekers and history buffs alike. The beauty of the Water Temple, combined with its historical significance, makes it one of the most revered Jain temples in India. This temple is known as a symbol of the spiritual heritage of Bihar.
King Nandivardhan had built
Mahavir Swami’s real name was Rajkumar Vardhaman, but he left the royal glory and chose the path of penance and after completing the penance at the age of 42, he was called Mahavir. The description of the journey of Lord Mahavir Swami from Prince Vardhaman to becoming Mahavir is mentioned on the sign board installed here. Pawapuri was built by King Nandivardhan, the ancestor of Lord Mahavir Swami. After this, it continued to be renovated regularly. There are many other Jain temples established here, which add to the faith and beauty of this holy pilgrimage site. Idols of Lord Mahavir Swami are installed in these temples.
recognition of sinless place
A stone bridge of about 600 feet has been built to reach the water temple established in the middle of the lake of about 84 bighas. When you walk across the bridge from the main gate to the temple, the lotus flowers blooming on both sides provide peace and tranquility to the mind. It also gives the message to keep smiling every moment. Pawapuri is also called Apapapuri. It means a place without sin. The feet of Lord Mahavir are worshiped here.
how to reach
This place is located about 20 km from Rajgir district and about 14 km from Bihar Sharif (Nalanda district headquarters). There are railway stations at both the places. This place is about 100 km from Patna, and is easily connected by road.
Laddus bid here on Diwali morning
Lord Mahavir died on the midnight of the new moon day of Diwali i.e. Kartik month. On this occasion, every year a Deepotsav is held in the Jal Mandir, which is visited by Jain devotees in large numbers. There is also a tradition of offering laddus in the water temple. Bidding takes place between Shwetambar and Digambara devotees to offer laddus in the temple, the devotee who bids the highest is given the opportunity to offer laddus in the temple.
Laddus made in a special way
Laddus ranging from 1 kg to 51 kg are offered in the temple. Artisans from other states also come for the tradition of offering laddus on the Nirvana Day of Lord Mahavir. Laddu is made from pure desi ghee under the supervision of Jain Shwetambar and Digambar management. Jain devotees carry laddus on their forehead from the place of nirvana to the cremation ground. It is offered in the water temple.
A fair is held on Diwali
A Diwali fair is organized in Pawapuri in connection with the Nirvana Mahotsav. On the day of Diwali, a large number of Jain devotees participate in the Rath Yatra. Lord Mahavir is taken on a silver chariot and taken on a tour to different Jain temples of Pawapuri. At the end, worship is done in the water temple.