History – Pavapuri called as ‘Apapuri’ in the history was ruled by the Magadhas.This is the place of the last monsoon sojourns of Mahavir Swami. Many kings and rich merchants had visited this place to hear the sermons of Mahavir. Many people were influenced by the discourses of Lord Mahavir. Since their doubts were removed, eleven Brahmins with 4400 disciples took diksa from Bhagawan. Bhagawan Mahavir appointed the eleven Brahmins as Gandharas. After giving his final sermons Bhagawan attained Nirvan (salvation) at this place on the fifteenth day of the dark half of the month of Ashvin and on that dark night in the absence of the Lord, a gem was glowing like a lamp. People light innumerable lamps in memory of that day. the whole city shines brightly with the light of thousands of lamps on this auspicious day and is celebrated as Deepawali by Jains.
Heritage Centre Type – Siddhakshetra
Heritage Centre Map –
Temple Name – Bhagawan Mahavir Swami Mandir
Temple Type – Digambar Temple
Main Deity – Nearly 9 inches high black-colored foot-idol of Bhagawan Mahavir Swami.
Nandivardhan, the elder brother of Bhagawan Mahavira built a small temple and installed the foot-idols of Bhagawan in them at the place of his last sermons. The temple is known today as Jalmandir. Under the guidance of His Holiness Acharya Vijayramchandrasuri Maharaj Saheb, a splendid samavasaran was built on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Magh in the year 2013 of the Virak era. Four idols of Bhagawan Mahavir measuring 87 cms each were installed in it. In front of this temple is constructed a samavasaran. Idols of Mahavir Swami, Gautam Swami and Sudharma Swami are installed here. Since this is the land of nirvana of the last Tirthankara Bhagawan Mahvir every section of this place is considered sacred and worshiped with high reverence by the Jains.
It is said that from the funeral place of Bhagawan, groups of gods and multitudes of men took sway the ashes of Bhagawan’s body and those who could not get the ashes, took sway the earth mixed with ashes and, therefore, a deep pit was formed there and the pit is this Jalmandir.
In addition to this temple we can find the samvasaran of Bhagawan Mahavir, the new temple, a temple in the village and 7 more Digambar Jain temples are found at Pavapuri.
Special Events – Deepawali