Information of Jal Mandir Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar (History, Mythology, Architecture)

The Jal mandir in Pawapuri is located in the Nalanda district of the Indian state of Bihar. It is a Jain temple dedicated to the founder of Jainism Mahavira. Pawapuri is at a distance of 90 kilometres from Patna the capital of Bihar. Pawapuri is also referred to as Apapuri meaning "the sinless town" because Lord Mahavira attained salvation from the cycle of birth and death. It is an important temple in Bihar which is very popular among Jains as well as among other religions.

Jal Mandir Pawapuri Religious Significance

The Jal mandir is located on a lake created after the cremation of Lord Mahavira. Lord Mahavira was the last of the twenty-four Tirthankara. It is a very holy place for Jains as Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana here. This temple belongs to the Digambar sect of the Jain religion but both the sects including Svetambra have accepted the ground as the place where their founder, Guru and lord have attained salvation. There are five other Jain temples surrounding the Jalmandir. These include the Gaon Mandir, the Samosaran where Lord Mahavira preached his last teachings, the new Samosaran, another temple built by Bibi Mehetab Kumariand last of all a temple of the Digambar very close to the Jalmandir.

Dharamshala facilities are available for the pilgrims and even food is distributed to the devotees. A total of about 2500 people can be accommodated in the Dharmashala and the five temples. The Bihar state tourisms corporation offers transport facility from Patna till the holy sanctuary. The best time to visit the temple is during October to March. The temple is open throughout the years for people from all religions.

Jal Mandir Pawapuri Mythology

Lord Mahavira attained freedom from the cycle of birth and death in Pawapuri around 500 BC in Padmasana. He was cremated on the holy grounds on which the temple presides today. The ashes from his body were taken by his devotees including the soil on which he was cremated. A large pond was formed eventually on which the temple was constructed.

Pawapuri was a part of the mighty Magadha Kingdom about 2600 years ago. King Shrenik of the Magadha Kingdom was one of the greatest followers the teachings of Lord Mahavira. During his visits to the King he stayed the Kings palace. Lord Mahavira attained omniscience on the bank of Rjukula and preached the teachings of Jainism himself to his disciples. He moved around the country spreading his teachings.

Since Lord Mahavira leaft his mortal coil on the last "prahar" on Karthik Krishna 14, hence they conduct a ceremony on the 14th day of the month of Karthik and loddoos are distributed to the visitors and devotees.

Jal Mandir Pawapuri Architectural Significance

The temple is believed to have been built by Lord Mahavira's elder bother King Nandivardhan. The Jalmandir is situated on a rectangular island which can be reached by a stone bridge about 600 feet long. The Temple is made up of marble and surrounded by a lake of beautiful lotuses. The Jalmadir is built in the shape of a Vimana. The walls of the temple are carved with images of various forms. The sanctum sanctorum comprises of the "Charan Paduka" that is the divine feet of Lord Mahavira. The exterior part of the temple has a number of pillars supporting the roof of the temple and has a single entrance gate. The temple is built in a very simple style and radiates a serene and peaceful aura.