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Pawapuri is a sacred place for the Jains because Lord Mahavir was cremated here in 500 BC. It is situated in Nalanda district in the state of Bihar. It is about 38 km from Rajgir and about 101 km from Patna, the capital city of Bihar.
Pawapuri was one of the twin capitals of Mall Mahajanpad about 2600 year ago. Later it was included in the Magadha Kingdom and was known as "Madyama Pawa" or "Apawapuri". When Lord Mahavir lived at this place, it was under the rule of Ajatshatru, King of Magadh, who was also a great disciple of Lord Mahavira and Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. While in Pawapuri, Lord Mahavira resided in the "Rajikshala" of King Hastipal.
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, which means the ‘sinless town’, because Lord Mahavir was cremated here. After the cremation, there was a huge rush to gather the ashes. So much soil was removed from around the funeral pyre that a pond was formed. This pond was developed into a lotus pond and a marble temple, known as Jalmandir, was built in the centre of the pond.
There is another Jain temple in this place which is known as ‘Samosharan’. Samosharan temple is circular in shape and is made of white marbles. The shrine on the top of the temple is dome shaped and has the footprints of Lord Mahavir on it. This was the place where the lord gave his last preaching.
Pawapuri also has a rich cultural heritage and the Rajgir Dance Festival and the Chhath Puja are among the most popular festivals celebrated in this place. The Rajgir Dance Festival is organised by the State Tourism Department of Bihar every year in the month of October, where classical and folk dances are performed.
The Chhath puja on the other hand is held twice a year. Once during "Vaishakha", that is in the months between April and May and in "Kartika", that is in the months between October and November. During this festival the sun is worshipped in the Surya Temple, which is the sun temple of Surajpur Baragaon.
Another attraction of this place is the Gaon Mandir. This is the place where Lord Mahavir breathed his last. King Nandivardhan, who was the elder brother of Lord Mahavir, built this temple.
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Located in the district of Nalanda, Pawapuri offers several sightseeing, which mainly includes temples and monuments related to Jain religion. Pawapuri is an ancient town and it is more than 2600 years old. Pawapuri is a pilgrimage site for Jain community and is popular as a burial sight of Lord Mahavira. The place has pond that is situated at the place where his body was cremated.
In middle of the lotus pond, there is a temple, dedicated to Lord Mahavira famous by the name of Jal Mandir. The temple is made of white marbles and enshrines “Charan Paduka" of Lord Mahavira. Jal Mandir is situated on a rectangular shaped island. The island is connected to the bank of pond through a 600 m long bridge. The temple of Samosharan here is the place where Lord Mahavira delivered his last sermons.
Gaon Mandir is another temple, where the Lord Mahavira took his last breath and his temple was erected by his elder brother King Nandivardhan. Besides that, there are other temples called Digambar Jain temple, Bibi Mehetab Kumari and New Samosharan.
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