Best time to visit : October to March
Nalanda District of Bihar is home to a number of religious sites and Pawapuri is one that attracts pilgrims and religious travellers from all over the world. Being of religious and historical importance, the site is a part of numerous tourist routes and circuits in the East Indian region. Tourist places here mainly consist of temples belonging to Jainism and the atmosphere is filled with peace, serenity and mysticism. The place is also close to many other spectacular ancient sites and pilgrimage centres that can be visited with the right tourist information in hand. The Golden Triangle tour circuit of Nalanda, Rajgir and Pawapuri is recommended for the visitors.
Facts
Also known as Pava, the place exists for more than 2,500 years and had served as a powerful capital for the regional kingdoms. The place came to known as Apapuri (the sinless town) when Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism and the 24th Tirthankara blessed the place with his presence and attained moksha (salvation) here. As per records, his cremation was attended by uncountable followers and devotees who gathered to collect the holy soil and ashes from the spot. Pawapuri experiences extremely hot weather during summers, while the winters here can be moderate to extremely cold. The place is considered as the most sacred site for the Jain followers and is a part of many popular Jainism pilgrimage circuits.
Like most of the other religious places in India, Pawapuri too imposes restrictions on non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Pure vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed at the small restaurants and dhabas located on the roads leading to the place. In addition, there are bhojanalayas and community food centres that are run near the temples, where one can actually have the pleasure of eating.
When on a trip to Pawapuri, it is irresistible to buy the delicious sweets of the region called khaja and revdi. One can also find items of religious significance in and around Pawapuri. Stone sculptures and bowls and Madhubani paintings at the nearby places like Rajgir and Nalanda are also worth purchasing.
Nearby Places:
- Rajgir (about 21 km.): A popular Buddhist destination, Rajgir is home to Vulture’s Peak, Bamboo Groove, Saptaparni Caves and Chariot Tracks and many temples, monasteries and stupas related to Buddhism.
- Nalanda (about 21 km.): Spellbinding ancient ruins of Nalanda University (one of the world’s oldest ones), Nalanda Archaeological Museum and Multimedia Museum.
- Patna (about 85 km.): Capital of Bihar, the city is a popular tourist destination with attractions like Patna Museum, Kumhrar ruins, Patna Zoo, Vaishali Stupa and Patna Planetarium among others.
- Gaya (about 86 km.): The city with great religious significance, Gaya has holy sites like Falgu River Ghats, Mangla Gauri Shrine, Vishnupad Temple, holy banyan trees and many more.
- Bodhgaya (about 94 km.): The place where Buddha attained enlightenment, Bodhgaya is well-known for Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodhgaya Museum, Barabar Caves and numerous Buddhist monasteries.
- Maner (about 112 km.): Popular for the tombs of revered Sufi saints Makhdoom Shah Daulat and Makhdoom Yahya Maneri.
- Munger (about 131 km.): Famous for a full array of attractions like Munger Fort, Sita Kund, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pirpahar and well-known yoga centres.
- Kesariya (about 185 km.): One of the most popular Buddhist Stupas, Kesariya Stupa is also believed to be the longest and tallest in the world.
- Deogarh (195 km.): Immensely popular for Baidyanath Shiva Temple, Nandan Pahar, Tapovan and many religious sites.