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Bihar is home to several places which have been existing for ages. Some are a few decades old, numerous are centuries old and several date back to thousands of years. Being one of the oldest places in the world, Bihar can also be called ancient India as it has been a major political, trade and education centre in the past.
It is also the land where religions like Buddhism and Jainism flourished for centuries in India. Hence, you can find a lot of places here which reflect the beauty of ancient India and can certainly take you back in time. Pawapuri is one amongst these ancient beauties in Bihar, which showcase the glorious past of India and narrate interesting legends of its formation.
Being a major Jain pilgrimage centre, it is visited by thousands of Jain followers and curious tourists every year. Following are the details you need to know before planning a trip to Pawapuri in Bihar.
Best Time To Visit Pawapuri
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Pawapuri is best visited from October until the end of April, as during the period, the weather is cool and pleasant, thereby, making tourists roam around and explore the beauty of the town comfortably. However, it is a year-round destination for history lovers, who come here to learn about its past and listen to its tales and fables.
A Little Bit Of History
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Located in the Nalanda district of Bihar at a distance of about 95 km from Patna and 20 km from another historical town, Rajgir, Pawapuri is popular for its ancient Jain temples and religious sites, which date back to hundreds and thousands of years.
This beautiful town was ruled by King Hastipal under the reign of the Magadha king of Haryanka dynasty, Ajatshatru, when Lord Mahavira visited during the 5th century BCE and stayed at King Hastipal's Palace.
Pawapuri is considered as one of the major pilgrimage centres in India amongst Jain followers as it is land where Lord Mahavira took his last breath. He was cremated at the present-day site of Jal Mandir. Even though local legends say it was founded millions of years ago, no evidence is found to support them. The major places to visit here include Jal Mandir, Gaon Mandir and Samosaran Mandir.
Interesting Legends Regarding Pawapuri And Its Temples
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There are several legends regarding the stay of Lord Mahavira at Pawapuri and how Pawapuri came into the picture. According to these local legends, it is said that the pond around Jal Mandir was the result of a rush created to collect the ashes of Lord Mahavira.
His followers were so dedicated to take his ashes that they dug out a huge amount of soil from his cremation site, resulting in the formation of the pond. As per another local legend, it is also believed that Lord Mahavira comes to Jal Mandir everyday during the daytime to watch his followers and to provide them with comfort and luxury.
Anyone who misses a visit to Jal Mandir misses a whole term of happiness and comfort in life. Hence, Pawapuri is also known as the Sinless Town as no one dares to commit any sin on this pristine land of Lord Mahavira. Isn't it interesting? So, what do you think of planning a trip to Pawapuri this season?
Other Places Of Interest Near Pawapuri
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The surroundings of Pawapuri are also filled with several historic places which every history lover and traveller would love to visit. The major places to visit around Pawapuri include Rajgir, Patna, Nalanda and Bihar Sharif.
Ranging from world's oldest university to age-old complexes and ancient temples to sacred ponds, there is a lot around Pawapuri which makes it a must-visit destination. Wouldn't you love to visit all these historical marvels which are luckily present within the range of 100 km?
How To Reach Pawapuri
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By Air: You can take a flight to Patna airport and then from there you can take a cab to Pawapuri, which is located at a distance of around 95 km. It will take you an approximate time of 2 hours to reach your destination from the airport.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Rajgir at a distance of about 20 km. However, Patna railway station is the nearest major railway station at a distance of about 95 km.
By Road: Pawapuri is well connected to nearby cities and towns by road.
