Jalmandir of Pawapuri, Pilgrimage Destination of Jainism

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 and founder of Jainism, Mahavir, breathed his last at the age of seventy two.  

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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 Lord 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. Located in the middle of the 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 Jalmandir by a 600 feet long stone bridge that juts out from the shore of the pool.

Gurpa: Maha Kassappa awaiting Maitreya's arrival

Maha Kassappa smiling at the lotus flower/Wikipedia

33 km from Gaya, the small village of Gurpa or Gurpada is home to the Kukkutapadagir mountain where Maitreya, the future Buddha, will return and receive the robes of the Buddha, kept with the latter’s successor, Maha Kassappa who is still in a state of meditation here. Before his death, the Buddha had given the robes to Maha Kassappa under whose presidentship the first Buddhist Council was held in the Magadhan capital of Rajagraha (modern Rajgir). 

Legend has it that when Maha Kassappa sensed that his life was nearing its end he decided to proceed to Kukkutapadagiri. During his journey to Gurpa, he withstood all the obstructions and the three peaks of the Kukkutapadagir mountain parted ways resulting in the creation of a seat for him. Since then Maha Kassappa is awaiting the arrival of Maitreya who will descend to this world in order to share the message of the Buddha with the mankind. 

Today Gurpa is a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Such is the popularity of the place that followers of Buddhism in other parts of the world have created Gurpada in their own native countries.  

How to reach Gurpa

Rail: Though Gurpa has itself a railway station on the Grand Chord line, the nearest major railway station is Gaya which is 33 km away from Gurpa. Gaya is well connected by rail with major places and cities in the country.  

Air: Patna is the nearest airport connected by air from major cities of India.

Road: It's a long day trip from Gaya to Gurpa. Good roads connect Gurpa with all the important places in India.

Best Time to visit

In summers, from April to June, the temperature of Gurpa hovers between 45°C and 30°C and it is quite hot during that time. The winter season, from October to March, is the best time to visit Gurpa. 

Champanagar: Buddhist Pilgrimage Site in Bihar

Champanagar in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar is a site of great significance for the Buddhists. The place is deeply associated with the life of the Buddha. It was one of the six greatest cities during the time of the Buddha and served as the capital of the kingdom of Anga, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas. Anga was annexed to the Magadhan empire by Bimbisara in the 6th century BC.

The Buddha paid several visits to Champanagar where he preached his several important discourses including Sonadanda Sutta and Kandaraka Sutta.  It was here in Anga where Sariputta, Buddha’s famous disciple, preached Dasuttara sutta in presence of the Buddha himself.

                                        Sariputra with Buddha/Wikimedia Commons

Champanagar finds mention in the accounts of Chinese traveler Fa-hsien who came to India in the fifth century AD. According to him, monasteries in Champanagar were full of spiritual activities.  

Named after the queen Gaggara, the Gaggara's Lotus Lake is a main highlight of Champanagar. Sitting on the bank of the lake will provide you peace of mind.

 

How to Reach Champanagar

Air: The nearest airport to Champanagar is Patna that is connected by flights from major cities of India.

Rail: The nearest major railway station is Bhagalpur which is connected to major places and cities in India.

Road: Champanagar is well connected by road to Patna, Bhagalpur and other places in India.

 

Best Time to visit Champanagar

The best time to visit Champanagar is during its winter season, which lasts from December through February.