Introduction:-
Bihar, a state in India, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, including several famous Jain temples that hold immense significance in the Jain community.
The blog post aims to unveil and explore seven hidden gems among the famous Jain temples in Bihar, showcasing their unique features and spiritual offerings.
By visiting these temples, readers can immerse themselves in the rich Jain heritage and experience the divine serenity they provide.
1.Pawapuri Jain Temple, Nalanda, Bihar
Location
Pawapuri Jain Temple located in Nalanda district, Bihar, is the first temple featured, Pawapuri, Patna. The location of Pawapuri Jain temple is easy to locate and reach.
History of Pawapuri Temple
It is renowned for being where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, attained nirvana. The temple was Built by King Nandivardhana, Mahavir’s elder Brother.
The temple follows the Digambara tradition of Jainism and is an important pilgrimage site for Jain devotees.
Architecture
The architectural style of Pawapuri Temple showcases intricate marble carvings and stunning domes. The temple is built inside the pond with lotus flowers filled inside it.
Visitors can experience a profound sense of spirituality and serenity within its premises.
Timing of Pawapuri Temple
The temple is open to visitors from morning to evening.
How to Reach Pawapuri Jain Temple?
We can reach Pawapuri Temple by road by Car, Auto, or Bus.
Also, By Train:- The nearest railway station to the temple is Rajgir Railway Station, Which is 90kms away and is easily accessible by foot or on rickshaw.
By Air, From Patna Airport Temple is 101 km away. You can visit easily by Cab or Auto.
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, 8.7 km to reach
- Jal Mandir,0.3 km to reach
- Gaon Mandir,0.3 km to reach
- Nalanda University Ruins,10.9 km to reach
- Vishwa Shanti Stupa,13.6 km to reach
2. Jal Mandir, Pawapuri, Bihar
Location of jal mandir
The second Jain temple highlighted is Jal Mandir, situated within the Pawapuri complex.
This temple stands out for its unique location amidst a lotus pond, accessible via a beautiful bridge.
It is dedicated to Lord Mahavira and holds immense religious significance for Jain followers.
Architecture
The architectural style of Jal Mandir exhibits a blend of traditional Jain and Mughal influences, captivating visitors with its intricate details. Pavapuri’s five main temples, bear the “Charan Paduka” or the footprints of Mahavira.
The timing of Jal Temple Pawapuri, operates from morning to evening, allowing visitors to embrace the tranquil ambiance at their own pace.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT PAWAPUR TEMPLE
You can see a lot of migratory birds, From November to January, as well there are huge fish in the lake that eat the bait that you can buy to give to the fish.
Devotees and tourists visit Jal Mandir to seek blessings and witness the mesmerizing reflection of the temple in the serene waters.
3.Rajgir Jain Temple, Bihar
Location of Rajgir Jain Temple, located in Rajgir, Bihar, is the third temple in focus. Nestled amidst the picturesque Rajgir hills, this temple offers a serene retreat for meditation and spiritual practices.
About Rajgir Jain, temple
It is closely associated with Lord Mahavira, who spent several years in Rajgir during his spiritual journey. Bhagwan Mahavir did Twelve ‘Chaturmas’ here and enlightened this entire district.
The architecture of Rajgir temple boasts a tranquil ambiance, making it a popular destination for pilgrims and seekers of spirituality. This Temple is Constructed on five hills. Ratnagiri Hills are also situated in Digambar temple and Shwetambar. There is a large temple of Lord Buddha on Gridhakoot Hill just in front of Ratnagiri Hill. Swarnagiri is the fourth hill also called Shramangiri.
Visitors can participate in religious ceremonies, offer prayers, and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the temple.
The timing of Rajgir temple is, opens its doors to devotees and visitors from morning to evening, providing ample time for reflection and devotion.
4.Kundalpur Jain Temple:-
Location of Kundalpur Jain Temple, situated in Nalanda district, Kundalpur, Bihar, is the fourth temple featured in the blog post.
About Lord Mahavir And Temple:- It holds immense historical and archaeological importance, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. The Digambars of Jains believe that the 24th and the last Tirthankar. This is the Birthplace of four of eleven Ganadhaya of Mahavir, including Gautama Swami.
The architecture of Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples. The temple showcases intricate architectural details, with beautifully carved pillars and sculptures depicting Jain deities.
It attracts devotees and history enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the roots of Jainism and the architectural grandeur of the era.
The Festival of Kundalpur Mahotsav is the main festival celebrated here, the event is organized on the day of Mahavir Janm Kalyan.
Timing of The Kunalpur welcomes visitors from morning to evening.
You can visit anytime you reach.
Visitors can marvel at the temple’s exquisite craftsmanship, soak in the spiritual ambiance, and gain insights into Jain philosophy.
5.Son Bhandar Jain Temple, Rajgir:-
Location of Son Bhandar Jain Temple is located in Rajgir, Bihar. It is Excavated by two man-made caves carved into the base of Vaibhar Hills, Rajgir, Bihar.
The architecture of Son Bhandar Jain temple is an ancient cave temple renowned for its historical and archaeological importance. The Gupha’s were generally dated to the 3rd or 4th century CE.
The Rock inscriptions of the entrance of the cave in Gupta characters of the 4th century CE also tell about the construction of the cellar by a Jain Muni whose name is Vairadeva.
The temple houses intricate stone carvings and is associated with legends and folklore.
It attracts both devotees and history enthusiasts who are intrigued by its ancient roots and architectural beauty.
Visitors can explore the temple’s hidden chambers and delve into its historical significance.
6.Kamaldah Jain Temple, Patna
Location of Kamaldah Jain Temple is Located Near Gulzarbagh Railway Station. Located in the heart of Patna, Bihar. This magnificent temple, also known as Kamaldah Jain Mandir, is a revered Jain pilgrimage site that holds immense historical, architectural, and religious significance.
The History of Kamaldah Jain Temple can be traced back to the 18th century when it was constructed under the patronage of the Jain community. The temple holds a significant connection with the illustrious history of Jainism in Bihar. It is believed to have been established by a group of Jain merchants who migrated from Rajasthan to Patna.
The Architectural brilliance of Kamaldah Jain Temple is awe-inspiring. The temple showcases a harmonious blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, reflecting the cultural combination prevalent during that era. The intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and exquisite sculptures leave visitors spellbound.
The temple complex comprises multiple sanctums dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras. The central sanctum houses the principal deity, Lord Adinath (also known as Rishabhdev), the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The idols of other revered Tirthankaras, such as Parshvanath and Mahavir Swami, are also enshrined in separate holy places within the temple.
The grandeur of the temple is enhanced by its captivating spires, known as shikhara, adorned with complex artwork. The interior walls depict elaborate depicting scenes from Jain mythology and teachings. The use of vibrant colors adds a divine aura to the temple premises.
The timings of Kamaldah Jain Temple welcome devotees and visitors throughout the year. It opens its doors early in the morning to evening.
7.Lachhuar Jain Temple, Bihar
The location of Lachhuar Jain Temple is nestled in the quaint village of Lachhuar in the Sheikhpura district of Bihar. Surrounded by lush green fields and serenity, the temple offers a peaceful retreat to seekers of solace and spirituality.
History of Lachhuar Jain Temple
The origins of Lachhuar Jain Temple date back centuries, steeped in mythology and folklore. According to local legends, this sacred site is associated with Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. It is believed that Lord Parshvanath attained Keval Gyan, a state of omniscience, under the shade of a majestic banyan tree, which still stands within the temple complex.
The Architectural splendor of Lachhuar Jain Temple is a marvel to behold. It boasts a blend of traditional Jain and Hindu architectural styles, exuding an aura of grandeur and piety. The temple’s main sanctum houses a magnificent black stone idol of Lord Parshvanath in a meditative posture, adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments.
The unique feature of the temple is the ancient banyan tree that stands as a witness to the passage of time.
The intricate carvings on the temple walls narrate tales from Jain mythology, portraying various Tirthankaras and celestial beings. The vibrant sculptures add to the ethereal beauty of the temple, making it an architectural gem in the region.
Timings of Lachhuar Jain Temple welcomes devotees and visitors throughout the year. The temple opens its doors at the break of dawn to dusk(the whole day).
Conclusion:
Recap the seven famous Jain temples in Bihar: Pawapuri Jain Temple, Jal Mandir, Rajgir Jain Temple, Kundalpur Jain Temple, Kamaldah Jain Temple, and Lachhuar Jain Temple,etc.
Reiterate their historical, architectural, and spiritual significance, emphasizing their status as hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Encourage readers to embark on a journey to these famous Jain temples in Bihar, to unravel their captivating stories and experience the profound spiritual and cultural heritage they hold.
