PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR

PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR
LOCATION-
Pawapuri (meaning sinless town) in Nalanda District of Bihar
DEITY-
Lord Mahavira
It is said that it’s the place where Lord Mahavira (the 24th Tirthankar) attained
enlightenment
WHO MADE IT
The temple was built by King Nandivardhana, the elder brother of Mahavira
with help of his followers
King Nandivardhana, elder brother of Lord Mahavira took the endeavour to
build the breathtaking Jal Mandir in the shape of a Vimana in memory of Lord
Mahavira Jina.
LEGEND
During that phase,( Pawapuri, also called as Apawapuri was a significant part of
the Magadha Kingdom where King Ajatshatru - an ardent follower of Lord
Mahavira was the then ruler. Once the Lord visited Pawapuri that was then
under the rule of King Hastipal and He stayed there at Rajikshala and attained
omniscience by the banks of Rju-kula.) The Jains call this attainment as Kevala-
nana. Lord Mahavira coded the preaching principles of Jainism and from then
onwards He travelled various parts of the country to preach Jainism. In His
Divya Vani or Divine voice, Lord Mahavira used to preach the teachings of
Jainism.
(Once He reached Pawapuri and sat on a stone that was surrounded by many
lotuses and He meditated there for two days. During this phase of meditation,
the lord didn't move, and He dived into the pure mediation called sukla- dhyana.
Lord Mahavira left his mortal body behind and attained Siddha during the last
quarter on the 14th day of the darker half of the month of Kartika. In the night,
of the 14th day of the Kartika month, He left the mortal coil and reconciled into
the oblivion.)
The main temple connects the land with a beautifully sculptured stone bridge,
which is around 600 feet long connecting the land and the shrine.
ARCHITECTURE
the Charan Paduka of Lord Mahavira Jina is enshrined at the Jal Mandir of
Pawapuri temple
The temple is built in the middle of a pond/water body. It was the place where
Lord Mahavira was cremated and to enshrine that event most of the holy soil
was dug out to create the beautiful water body. Later, the temple known as Jal
Mandir was erected in the middle of the water that always stays full of
enchanting lotuses. The lotuses are planted and maintained to give it a feel of a
natural Padmasana. The lake covers around 16.8 acres of total area.
A 600 feet long bridge connect the land and the temple
Jain temples feature intricate carvings, domes, spires, and pillars. They are
designed to create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere
Given the sacredness of Pawapuri as the place of Lord Mahavira's nirvana, the
Jal Mandir is likely to have unique architectural elements and symbolic features
that hold significance in Jain cosmology.
The architecture of Jain temples, in general, reflects the principles of Jainism,
emphasizing simplicity, austerity, and harmony with nature.
FACTS
1. This temple is dedicated to Mahavira and is very sacred place for Jains.
2. From November to January, you can see a lot of migratory birds and lotus
in the lake, which is a spectacular sight.
3. The beauty of this place is that the temple is surrounded by a man-made
lake and is made of white marble and is at its peak at sunset.
4. Jal Mandir means a “temple in the water,” the water body estimates 84
bighas (16.8 acres).
5. A 600 foot/180 m long way created by stone to connect the temple with
the land.
6. The temple sparkles bright and magnificent during a sunset night.
DIFFERENCE BTW A NORMAL HINDU MANDIR

AND JAL MANDIR
PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR IN SHORT
 Nirvana of Lord Mahavira: Pawapuri is revered as the place where

Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained nirvana or
liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha). The Jal Mandir is
situated in the middle of a lotus-filled tank known as the "Jalasarovar."
 Water Temple: The Jal Mandir is often referred to as a Water Temple

because of its location in the middle of the Jalasarovar. Pilgrims and
visitors have to cross a narrow pathway (Jetty) to reach the temple.
 Holiness of the Water: The water in the Jalasarovar is considered holy,

and it is believed that taking a dip in this pond can cleanse one's soul.
Pilgrims often perform rituals and offer prayers at the Jal Mandir.
 Architecture: The temple itself is known for its peaceful and serene
architecture. While specific architectural details may vary, Jain temples,
in general, feature intricate carvings and decorations, and they are
designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment.
 Lotus Flowers: The Jalasarovar is often filled with lotus flowers, adding
to the picturesque and serene ambiance of the surroundings. The lotus is a
symbol of purity in many spiritual traditions, including Jainism.
 Religious Festivals: Pawapuri attracts many Jain pilgrims during

religious festivals, especially on the occasion of Mahavira Nirvana
(Diwas), which commemorates Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana.
Devotees gather to participate in prayers, rituals, and processions.
 Non-violence: Jainism places a strong emphasis on the principle of non-

violence (ahimsa). Pawapuri, being associated with Lord Mahavira, who
preached ahimsa, serves as a symbol of this fundamental Jain teaching.
 Conservation of the Environment: Pawapuri is also known for its

efforts to maintain the ecological balance around the temple. The
authorities make conscious efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the
site and protect the flora and fauna in the surrounding area.
BACK GATE
FRONT GATE
FRONT

PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR - Copy copy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR - Copy copy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PAWAPURI JAL MANDIR - Copy copy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

DIFFERENCE BTW A NORMAL HINDU MANDIR

 Nirvana of Lord Mahavira: Pawapuri is revered as the place where

 Water Temple: The Jal Mandir is often referred to as a Water Temple

 Holiness of the Water: The water in the Jalasarovar is considered holy,

 Religious Festivals: Pawapuri attracts many Jain pilgrims during

 Non-violence: Jainism places a strong emphasis on the principle of non-

 Conservation of the Environment: Pawapuri is also known for its

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.