2013 Vacation: Indian/ Bihar/ Pawapuri Water Temple

Pawapuri Lotus Tank and Water Temple

“Jal Mandir” meaning Water Temple is the most revered temple for Jains. It is located in Pawapuri town, Bihar. The town Pawapuri, also known as Apapuri, means a town without sins.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira the 24 the Tirthankara and founder of the Jain religion. Here Lord Mahavira attained salvation sitting on a padmasana. He was cremated here around 500 B.C. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. A marble temple, the “Jalmandir” [Water Temple], was later built in the middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains. The temple has been built within a tank filled with red colored lotus flowers. A 600-foot-long bridge built in stone connects the temple with the bank of the water tank. This temple attracts the devotees from all over the world. It is among the five main temples in Pawapuri.

Another beautiful Jain temple of white marble called Samosharan is located at this place. Lord Mahavira had delivered his sermon here.

The best time time to visit Pawapuri is between October and March.