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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