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Sightseeing highlights
The first sermon preached by Lord Mahavir after attaining enlightenment was commemorated by a Stupa at Pawanpuri. You can see it just behind the Jalamandir.
Apart from this temple, you can visit the Gauna temple, Gurgasthan temple, Samasarana temple and NayaTemple.
Just 12 km away is Bihar Sharif, where Buddha used to stay in the Pir Pahari viharas. Here the Mazar of Pir Makh-dun Shah is a must-see and has become a pilgrimage for people of all religions.
Other activities
You can take a full day tour to Nalanda and explore the ruins of the great empire. Trekking and hiking can be enjoyed in the Pir Pahari hills. You can always enjoy nature and relax in the calm atmosphere of Pawapuri.
TOURISM INFORMATION Hotel Kautilya Vihar, Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna-1. Phone: 0612-2225411, 2210219, 2210242 Fax: 0612-2236218.
Pawapuri is situated about 80 km from Patna, and 30 km from Rajgir in Bihar. It is a pilgrimage center for Jains as Lord Mahavir was cremated here in 500 BC. According to legends, the demand for Lord Mahavir's ashes was so great that soil from around the funeral pyre was also removed. The gap was filled by creating a large tank, Kamal Sarobar, and it remains covered by beautiful lotus blooms till today. Later an intricately carved marble temple was constructed by the Swetambara Jains, in the middle of the Kamal Sarobar, known as Jalamandir. There is a footprint of Lord Mahavir inside the temple. As a major pilgrimage spot, thousands of devotees come to Pawapuri every year to pray, especially on Dipawali night as it is considered the birthday of Lord Mahavir. For a devout Jain, Pawapuri is a must-see in the pilgrimage circuit.
