Pawapuri

Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometers from Rajgir and 101 kilometers from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final Tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place, and was cremated here around 500 B.C. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. A marble temple, the “Jalmandir”, was later built in the middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains. Another Jain temple called Samosharan is located here.

General Information Top

Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Max. 40/Min. 20 Winter-Max. 28 Min. 6
Rainfall:186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)
Best Season: October to March.

What to See Top

Jalmadir: A marble temple, the Jalmandir, was later built in the middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains.

Samosharan:

How to Reach Top
Distance Chart

Air: The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.

Rail: Though Rajgir itself has a railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Patna 90.kms.

Road: A taxi or bus can be taken from Patna, Rajgir, Gaya or other major cities of Bihar to visit Pawapuri.

Where to Stay Top

Tourists prefer to stay at Rajgir (15 km. from Nalanda). There are a number of moderately priced hotels available at Rajgir. Tourists can stay at any of the three Tourists Bungalows of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Other Attractions Top

Rajgir Dance Festival: Bihar State Tourism Department organizes every year, this colorful festival of classical and folk dances from October 24 to October 26.

Chath Puja: Chhath puja or sun worship held twice a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May) and in "Kartika" (October - November) in Surya Temple, The Sun temple of Surajpur Baragaon.

Arts and Crafts:The places around Rajgir are famous for stone Sculptors and bowls.

Excursions Top

Rajgir: The ancient capital of Magadhan empire, which flourished in the 6th century BC. Its association with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira hallows the place. The first Buddhist council immediately after the Mahaparinirarvana of lord Buddha, to pen down his teachings, was also held at Rajgir. There are a number of Hot Springs. The hill town of Rajgir, surrounded by seven hills is in midst of lush green forest. The picturesque place, in addition to its historical and religious importance, is a popular health resort.

Gaya: It is a very sacred pilgrim center for the Hindus. Oblations are offered for salvation of their dead parents and forefathers. The temple of Vishnupad on the bank of river Falgu, attracts a very large number of pilgrims from all over the world.

Bodhgaya: It is the holiest amongst holy places of Buddhist World., where Prince Siddharatha attained the supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha , the enlightened one. The Buddhism was born here. The present Bodhi Tree is fifth in succession to the original tree under which Lord Buddha had attained the enlightenment. The ancient Mahabodhi Temple, The railings and the Ashokan pillar are of great historical as well as architectural importance. The modern monasteries of Japan, Thailand, China, Tibet, Mayamar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka built in their national architectures are very colorful and remain humming with religious activities.

The ancient city of Patliputra, where the capital of Magadhan empire shifted from Rajgir, is situated on the main line of eastern railway and is well connected with air services. The ruins of the ancient Patliputra have been excavated at Kumrahar, Patna sahib is also famous for being birth place of the tenth and last Guru of the Sikh, Guru Govind Singh, Harmandirji consecrates his birth place. The museum, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Martyr's Memorial, Golghar and Khuda Baksh Oriental Library are other places of tourist interest at Patna.