|
 Pawapuri,
or Apapuri, 38 kilometers from Rajgir and 101 kilometers from Patna, all
sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final Tirthankar and founder
of Jainism, breathed his last at this place, and 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”, was later built in the
middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains. Another
Jain temple called Samosharan is located here.
- Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Max. 40/Min.
20 Winter-Max. 28 Min. 6
- Rainfall:186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)
- Best Season: October to March.
 Jalmadir:
A marble temple, the Jalmandir, was later built in the middle of the tank,
and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains.
 Samosharan:
Distance Chart
Air: The nearest airport
is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay,
Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
Rail: Though Rajgir itself
has a railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Patna
90.kms.
Road: A taxi or bus can
be taken from Patna, Rajgir, Gaya or other major cities of Bihar to visit
Pawapuri.
Tourists prefer to stay at Rajgir
(15 km. from Nalanda). There are a number of moderately priced hotels
available at Rajgir. Tourists can stay at any of the three Tourists Bungalows
of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
Rajgir Dance Festival: Bihar
State Tourism Department organizes every year, this colorful festival
of classical and folk dances from October 24 to October 26.
Chath Puja: Chhath puja
or sun worship held twice a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May)
and in "Kartika" (October - November) in Surya Temple, The Sun
temple of Surajpur Baragaon.
Arts and Crafts:The places
around Rajgir are famous for stone Sculptors and bowls.
 Rajgir: The ancient capital of
Magadhan empire, which flourished in the 6th century BC. Its association
with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira hallows the place. The first Buddhist
council immediately after the Mahaparinirarvana of lord Buddha, to pen
down his teachings, was also held at Rajgir. There are a number of Hot
Springs. The hill town of Rajgir, surrounded by seven hills is in midst
of lush green forest. The picturesque place, in addition to its historical
and religious importance, is a popular health resort.
Gaya: It is a very sacred
pilgrim center for the Hindus. Oblations are offered for salvation of
their dead parents and forefathers. The temple of Vishnupad on the bank
of river Falgu, attracts a very large number of pilgrims from all over
the world.
 Bodhgaya:
It is the holiest amongst holy places of Buddhist World., where Prince
Siddharatha attained the supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha ,
the enlightened one. The Buddhism was born here. The present Bodhi Tree
is fifth in succession to the original tree under which Lord Buddha had
attained the enlightenment. The ancient Mahabodhi Temple, The railings
and the Ashokan pillar are of great historical as well as architectural
importance. The modern monasteries of Japan, Thailand, China, Tibet, Mayamar,
Bhutan and Sri Lanka built in their national architectures are very colorful
and remain humming with religious activities.
 The ancient city of Patliputra,
where the capital of Magadhan empire shifted from Rajgir, is situated
on the main line of eastern railway and is well connected with air services.
The ruins of the ancient Patliputra have been excavated at Kumrahar, Patna
sahib is also famous for being birth place of the tenth and last Guru
of the Sikh, Guru Govind Singh, Harmandirji consecrates his birth place.
The museum, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Martyr's Memorial, Golghar
and Khuda Baksh Oriental Library are other places of tourist interest
at Patna.
|
