Pawapuri, or Apapuri, 38 kilometers from Rajgir and 101 kilometers from Patna, all sins end for a devout Jain. Lord Mahavira, the final Tirthankar and founder of Jainism, breathed his last at this place, and was cremated here around 500 B.C. It is said that the demand for his ashes was so great that a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water tank. A marble temple, the “Jalmandir”, was later built in the middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains. Another Jain temple called Samosharan is located here.

General Information

• Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Max. 40/Min. 20 Winter-Max. 28 Min. 6

• Rainfall:186 cms (Mid-June to Mid-September)

• Best Season: October to March

What to See

Jalmadir: A marble temple, the Jalmandir, was later built in the middle of the tank, and is now a major pilgrimage spot for Jains.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is at Patna 101 kms. Indian Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchi and Lucknow.
Rail: Though Rajgir itself has a railway station yet the nearest convenient railhead is at Patna 90.kms.
Road: A taxi or bus can be taken from Patna, Rajgir, Gaya or other major cities of Bihar to visit Pawapuri.

Where to Stay

Tourists prefer to stay at Rajgir (15 km. from Nalanda). There are a number of moderately priced hotels available at Rajgir. Tourists can stay at any of the three Tourists Bungalows of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Other Attractions

Rajgir Dance Festival: Bihar State Tourism Department organizes every year, this colorful festival of classical and folk dances from October 24 to October 26.

Chath Puja: Chhath puja or sun worship held twice a year in "Vaishakha" (April-May) and in "Kartika" (October - November) in Surya Temple, The Sun temple of Surajpur Baragaon.

Arts and Crafts:The places around Rajgir are famous for stone Sculptors and bowls.