Under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana, Vaishali, Ara, Patna, Rajgir, Pavapuri, Champa Puri, Tirthankara circuit of Bihar will be constructed. These religious places will be developed through a project. Central government will construct this circuit.
Religious places associated with Lord Mahavira
According to the information, religious places related to Lord Mahavir will be included in this project which cost, a total of Rs 33.96 crore. Among them, the birthplace of the 24th Tirthankara Lord Mahavira of Jainism in Vaishali, some ancient places related to Jainism in Ara, some historical and Jainism related places in Patna, the Tapobhoomi of many Tirthankaras of Jainism in Rajgir, the Nirvana site of Lord Mahavira in Pavapuri and the 12 Venues of Jain Dharma in Champa Puri where Pancha kalpyanak of Lord Vasupujya is located.
Apart from these, there are no Tirthankaras, whose five kalpyanak have been in one place. Lord Mahavira came here three times. According to the information received, MP Ajay Kumar Mandal raised questions in the Lok Sabha to promote Jain temples of Bihar including Bhagalpur as a tourist destination.
Destinations of Jain Tirthankar circuit
The Jain Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar encompasses significant sites related to Jainism, particularly those associated with Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras. Key locations include Pawapuri, Vaishali, Rajgir and Nalanda. This circuit offers insights into the life and teachings of Mahavira and other Jain figures.
Pawapuri is famous for Jal mandir, a temple built on a lake, marking the cremation site of Lord Mahavira. Vaishali considered the birthplace of Lord Mahavira and a site of his early teachings. Rajgir, an ancient city with connections to both Buddhism and Jainism, it was a significant location for Mahavira. Nalanda is Known for its ancient university and proximity to Kundalpur, the birthplace of Mahavira’s father.
The Jain Tirthankar Circuit is a pilgrimage route for followers of Jainism, offering opportunities to connect with the history and spiritual heritage of the faith. The circuit highlights the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, emphasizing his renunciation of worldly possessions, his period of meditation, and his preaching of the Jain way of life. The circuit is also associated with other Jain monks and their sacred places.