About Pawapuri — History of Lord Mahavira's Nirvana

The Sacred Land

Pawapuri — Apapuri

Pawapuri, also known as Apapuri (the sinless city), is a holy city located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains worldwide.

The name "Pawapuri" derives from the Sanskrit words Pawa (pure/sacred) and Puri (city) — meaning the "City of Purity." Jains refer to it as Apapuri, meaning a city free of sin.

Pawapuri is revered as the place where Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (ford-maker) of the current cosmic age, attained Nirvana (Moksha) in approximately 527 BCE, at the age of 72.

State

Bihar, India

District

Nalanda

PIN Code

803 115

Languages

Hindi, Bhojpuri, Maithili

Jalmandir — the iconic water temple at Pawapuri

History

A Journey Through Time

599 BCE

Birth of Lord Mahavira

Vardhamana Mahavira was born in Vaishali (modern Bihar) on the 13th day of the rising moon of Chaitra. He was born into the royal Kshatriya family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.

569 BCE

Renunciation & Spiritual Quest

At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his royal life, family, and worldly possessions to pursue spiritual liberation. He spent 12 years in deep meditation, enduring great austerities.

557 BCE

Attainment of Kevala Jnana

Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience/enlightenment) at Jrimbhikagrama near Vaishali. He became a Jina — conqueror of passions — and is revered as the 24th Tirthankara.

527 BCE

🌟 Nirvana at Pawapuri

At the age of 72, on Kartik Amavasya (which Hindus celebrate as Diwali), Lord Mahavira attained Moksha (final liberation) at Pawapuri. This is the most sacred event in Jain history.

Medieval

Construction of Jalmandir

The beautiful marble Jalmandir was constructed in the middle of the lotus pond at the exact cremation spot of Lord Mahavira, funded by generous Jain merchants and devotees.

Today

Living Pilgrimage Site

Today, Pawapuri attracts over 5 lakh pilgrims annually. The Kartik Purnima Mela draws the largest gathering — one of Bihar's most spectacular fairs, celebrating Mahavira's Nirvana.

Core Principles

Mahavira's Five Vows

The eternal teachings that Mahavira gave the world from this sacred land

☮️

Ahimsa

Non-violence to all living beings — the supreme ethical principle of Jainism

💬

Satya

Truthfulness — to speak only what is true, beneficial, and non-harmful

🙅

Asteya

Non-stealing — not taking what has not been given

🌿

Brahmacharya

Celibacy and restraint of senses — channeling energy toward spiritual growth

🤲

Aparigraha

Non-possessiveness — freedom from greed and attachment to material things

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