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THE HOLY SITE
Pawapuri, the place where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained
his enlightenment is located 38 kms from Rajgir
and 90 kms from Patna. 
Also known as Apapuri, it is believed that all sins for a devout Jain end
here. Lord Mahavira who was the last Tirthankar breathed his last here
around 500 B.C and was cremated on the bank of a large lake, overflowing
with beautiful lotuses.
Legend has it that after the cremation of Mahavira, in order to meet the
demand for his ashes, a large amount of soil was removed from around the
funeral pyre, creating the water-tank. The beautiful marble Jalmandir was
later built in the middle of the tank. Jal Mandir, the white marble temple
in the middle of this lake, blooming with beautiful lotus flowers affords
a breathtakingly enchanting sight.
A large number of Jain pilgrims throng here. Samosharan, another Jain
temple, is also located here. There are five other temples in the
vicinity.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Patna, 90 kilometres away is the nearest airport. Patna is
linked by air to Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. 
Rail:
The nearest railheads are Rajgir and Gaya. It also has rail connections
with Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta and many other major cities.
Road:
A taxi or bus can be taken from Patna,
Rajgir, Gaya or
other major cities of Bihar to visit Pawapuri.
WHERE TO STAY
Centaur Hokke Hotel, Tel: +91-6119-5245, 5032-37, Fax: 5231.
Tourist Bungalows I & II; M.O. Rest House; D.B. Inspection Bungalow
and dharamshalas (rest houses) are good options for visitors who wish to
stay in Rajgir. Hotel Welcomgroup Maurya, Tel: +91-612-222060-67, Fax:
222069.
Hotel Chanakya Tel: +91-612-220590-96, Fax: 220598.
Hotel Republic Tel: +91-612-655021-24, Fax: 655024 offer accommodation in
Patna.
There is a host of other low budget hotels.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Bihar Tourist Information Centre, Mazharul Haque Path, Frazer Road,
Patna. Tel: +91-612-25295.