Visit These Jain Temples in Bihar: Exploring Sacred Tirth Temples

Bhagwan Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in 599 B.C. in Bihar, India. In his early 30s, he renounced his family and royal status, forsaking all worldly possessions, even clothing, to embrace the life of a monk.

He wandered barefoot, abstained from eating for extended periods of time, and spent years practicing meditation to make sure he did no harm to wildlife or birds. He advocated that achieving self-liberation can be facilitated by having correct faith (samyak-darshan), right knowledge (samyak-jnana), and proper action (samyak-charitra).

As the birthplace of Bhagwan Mahavira, Bihar holds special significance for Jains. He spent several years living in both North and South Bihar, where he amassed a large community of monks known as Nirgranthas. After Bhagwan Mahavira passed away, the Nirgranthas were liberated from all social ties and adopted the Jains' name. It is said that Bhagwan Mahavira passed away in Apapa, also known as Pawa or Pawapuri, in Bihar. Bihar is home to numerous holy sites that are associated with Bhagwan Mahavira and other Jain monks and are regarded as hallowed pilgrimage sites. Here are the few sites of extreme importance.

It is here that the Bhagwan Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, is believed to have attained Moksha or Nirvana. Pawapuri Jal Mandir is located in a small town Pawa in the Nalanda district which is also known as Apapuri or the sinless place. In the middle of a blooming lotus lake, floats this quaint marvelous sparkling white marble temple as beautiful as a beacon in the middle of a water lily pond. Starting from the causeway that connects the temple with the mainland, to pink-white large lotuses, and chirping of water birds, this is a must-to-be-visited place in Bihar.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (PAT) at a distance of 89 kms.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Rajgir (12 Km), Gaya (80 Km).

Road: Nalanda is connected by a good road with Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Gaya, Patna, Pawapuri, Bihar Sharif etc.

Where to Stay: Tourists can stay at private hotels for Tourists Bungalows of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation - Tathagat Vihar, Ajatshatru Vihar and Gautam Vihar.

Shri Digambar Jain Tirtha Kshetra Prachin Mandir Kundalpur (District-Nalanda)

Shri Digambar Jain Tirtha Kshetra Prachin Mandir Kundalpur

The Shri Digambar Jain Tirtha Kshetra Prachin Mandir in Kundalpur, Nalanda, stands as a sacred pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism. This ancient temple complex holds significant historical and religious importance, drawing devotees and tourists alike.