Pawapuri
Bihar Β· Magadh Β· 55m
Where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana
Why Special
The Jal Mandir (water temple) sits in the middle of a lotus-filled tank β one of Jainism's holiest sites where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana. Serenity you can feel.
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Decent 4G at temple. Carry offline maps.
WiFi: None
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Rajgir Hospital (25km) (20 km)
Ambulance: 108
Police: Nearby (5km)
Getting There
Rajgir 25km (40min). Patna 80km (2.5hrs). Best as part of Rajgir-Nalanda circuit.
Roads: Decent approach road from Rajgir.
Public transport: Limited. Best by private vehicle from Rajgir circuit.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Rajgir 25km
β Carry extra fuel
Stay: βΉ300-1500/night
5+ options (dharamshala, basic-guesthouse)
Emergency: Rajgir 25km.
Helpline: Bihar Tourism: 0612-2225295
The stay decisions worth flagging in Pawapuri.
Pawapuri is where Lord Mahavir (24th Jain Tirthankar) achieved nirvana β the Jal Mandir temple sits on the lake where the cremation took place. Stay scene is Jain dharamshalas (for observing Jains, strict dietary rules) and basic guesthouses. Day-trip from Rajgir (38 km) or Nalanda (26 km) β base at either for proper hotels.
Pawapuri is a major Jain pilgrimage site β the place of Lord Mahavir's nirvana. Stay scene is Jain dharamshalas (for observing Jains) and basic guesthouses. No quality hotels. Day-trip from Rajgir (38 km) or Nalanda for non-pilgrim visitors.
Pawapuri Retreat by The Hosteller
The only property in Pawapuri offering structured comfort with direct access to the sacred lake and Jain pilgrimage sites without compromise on cleanliness or service.
Ram Bihari Guesthouse
Family-run, clean rooms 200m from Pawapuri Lake with home-cooked vegetarian meals and owners who speak English and guide visitors to lesser-known Jain temples.
No location pick here that's worth the flag. See alternatives below.
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How to Reach
π For International Travelers
Cultural Context
Sacred Jain pilgrimage site β Mahavira attained Nirvana here. Jalmandir (water temple) is the holiest Jain site. Remove shoes well before temple. Respectful silence.
What to Wear
Very conservative β cover shoulders and knees. No leather items (belts, bags, shoes) inside Jain temples.
Food Safety
Very limited β small vegetarian eateries near temple. Strictly vegetarian area. Carry snacks. Bottled water.
Common Scams to Watch For
- Fake guides β the temple is simple and self-explanatory
Cards & Cash
No β cash only. Small pilgrimage town.
English Spoken
Low β Hindi dominant. Jain pilgrims from Gujarat may speak English.
Phone & SIM
Jio and Airtel work.
Nearest Embassy
Delhi (~1,000km). Kolkata (~550km).
e-Visa for India. No permits needed.
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We don't sell bookings. Check these trusted platforms.
