Pawapuri, also known as Agapuri, is a famous pilgrim town of the Jains in
Bihar and is situated 90 km from
Patna. It is believed that
Lord Mahavir, the founder of
Jainism, attained his enlightenment here and a devotee doing penance at this site would free himself of all the sins. A large number of Jain pilgrims visit this place every year.
Major point of attraction here is the
Jalmandir, which is situated in the middle of a tank with lotuses. Legend says that the tank was formed as a result of the mass removal of sand from around the funeral pyre of Lord Mahavir, in order to meet the demand for his ashes. Samosaram and Naya Mandir are two Jain shrines situated nearby.
Pawapuri is 8 km south-east of Bihar Sarif. Nearest airport is at Patna. Nearest railhead is at Gaya.
