Located in the
state of Bihar, Pawapuri has existed as a place of spirituality for many
centuries, and remains one of the most sacred sites of Jainism. Pawapuri’s
claim to fame lies in being the place where the twenty fourth Tirthankar (Ford-maker)
Mahavir breathed his last in 527 BC.
According to a
legend, the present tank in Pawapuri came into being as a result of removal of
the soil following the great demand for Mahavir’s ashes after his cremation by
his devotees.
Today
“Jalmandir”, a beautiful temple of white marble in the centre of the tank, is a
magnet for devotees and tourists.
The focal point of any visit to Pawapuri is the Jalmandir, the pilgrimage destination of the Jaina religion. Located in the middle of a pool, Jalmandir is one of the holiest shrines in Jainism. It is the place where Mahavir was cremated. It is no wonder that the temple is a major pilgrimage destination for Jains from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction. Pilgrims reach the Jalmandir by a 600 feet long stone bridge that juts out from the shore of the pool.
Samosharan
The well-known
Jaina site of Samosharan is deservedly a tourist attraction in Pawapuri not to
be missed. The place is home to a beautiful temple of white marble. It’s the
place where Mahavira delivered his sermon after getting full enlightenment.
Samosharan has long since been a place for religious pilgrimage.
