Pawapuri tirth

Samosaran

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:14:31 +0000

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Dadabari

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:59:38 +0000

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Jal Mandir

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:55:59 +0000

Jal mandir as the name suggests is a temple in the middle of a lake blooming with lotuses. The main deity of the beautiful temple is a very old “Charan Paduka” of Lord Mahavira. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of Lord Mahavira was cremated. It is believed that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira.

Jal Mandir is built in the shape of “Vimana” and there is a stone bridge about 600 feet in length across it from the bank to the temple.
According to the legend, the concourse of the people who attended the funeral ceremony of Lord Mahavira , was so large that the mere act of their taking a pinch of ashes created such a big hollow over the place that it transformed into present tank.

The sheer beauty , along with the peace and tranquility of this temple is a treat to the eyes of the visitors.

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Kundalpur

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:55:21 +0000

Kundalpur is one of the sacred places of the jains as it is the birthplace of three out of the eleven disciples of Lord Mahavira.

Kundalpur is about 3.5 kms away from Nalanda-Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir railway station . Nalanda “Khandar” is 2.5 kms away from Nalanda station, and Kundalpur is .75 km away from Nalanda “Khandar”. The route to Kundalpur via Rajgir-Nalanda 1s 16 kms and the distance from Pawapuri to Kundalpur via Biharshariff is 29 kms.

Kundalpur being the birthplace of Gutamswamiji, the first and most important disciple of Lord Mahavira, Agnibhuti and Vayabhuti (also disciples of Mahavira) is sacrosanct . Agnibhuti and Vayabhuti were brothers of Gautamswamiji. The main shrine of this temple is a black colour “Charan Paduka” (approximately 25 cms in length) of Gautamswamiji.

In ancient times Kundalpur was also known as Gubbargaon or Bargaon. Nalanda and Kundalpur were satellite towsn of Rajigr. In 410 B.C. when chinese traveller Fa Huien came to India, he found this place to be ordinary. Later King Kumar Gupta made Buddhist monastery for the monks during 424 BC to 454 BC and due to the establishment of university of Nalanda it became a famous centre for Buddhist studies. In the century when Huein Tsang came to India he has described this place in his writings and it is believed that he stayed in this university to persue Buddhism. The university existed till 13th century and later it was plundered during the reign of Bakhtiar Khilji. According to historical evidence , jainism prevailed here during this time and it continued till later times. If archeological exacavations are carried out, it will bear testimony to this fact. Shree Jinprabhusuriji has mentioned Kundalpur as a pilgrim spot in “Vividh Tirth Kalpa” (various religious text) during 14th century. Shree Hansomovijayji has mentioned the existence of 16 temples in the year 1565 whereas Pundit Jayvijay ji has mentioned the existence of 17 temples in the year 1664 . In the year 1770 Pundit Sawbhaghyavijay ji has mentioned the existence of once idolless temple (with one pillar) and some temples in depleted condition.

Thus the importance of Kundalpur lies in the fact that it is the birthplace of Gautamswami ji, the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. Besides , the Lord himself came here several times to preach his religious teachings . Apart from this temple there is a Digamber temple and one Dharamshala near the temple to accomodate pilgrims.

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Gunayaji

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:54:11 +0000

The history of Rajgir mentions “Gunsheel Chaitya” meaning virtuous home, where Lord Mahavira came several times to preach his doctrines of non-violence, truth ,love and the right path to attain “Nirvana” (final emancipation from the cycle of death and birth). As such according to once school of thought the name Gunayji has been derived from the word “Gunsheel chaitya”. Thus the history of Gunayaji is as old as Lord Mahavira himself. After reaching “Keval Gyan” ( a state of complete omniscience) the Lord had arranged for several “Samavsaran” (place for religious preachings) in Gunayaji.
The importance of the place also lies in the fact that Gautam Swamiji, the first disciple of Lord Mahavira had attained “Keval Gyan” here.

The temple of Gunayaji is in the middle of the lake and is 3 kms from Nawadah station. It is on the Patna-Ranchi highway and can be approached by car,bus or Rickshaw. It is 20 kms from Pawapuri.

Apart form this temple there is another Digamber temple. The Swetamber and Digamber dharamshalas with electrice,water and other facilities accomdates and caters to the needs of the pilgrims.

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Gaon mandir

admin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:52:32 +0000

The Gaon mandir or the village temple marks the spot where Lord Mahavira breathed his last. It is said that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira. It is at this spot where the Lord addressed his last preachings our “updesha” . This “updesha” was supposed to be attended by many people, from across the country and from different walks of life. Knowing that his end was not far, Mahavira started his last “updesha” . He continued to preach till he gained “Nirvana” . Unable to bear the loss of the Lord all the people present there illuminated “diyas” (lamps) fuelled by ghee to lighten the atmosphere of sorrow. This tradition has continued till day.

Gaon mandir has a big compound along with a huge Dharamshala with all the neccessary basic amneties catering to the comfort of the pilgrims. The dedicatory stone of the temple records the restoration of Pawapuri during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 AD by Swetamabri Sangh of Bihar under Acharya Jina RajaSuri

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