Jain temple

Highlights

• Jain temple, Kundalpur is a complex of six Jain temples located in Kundalpur village near Nalanda, Bihar.
• Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimages in Bihar.
• The temple complex is located approximately 1.6 km (0.99 mi) from the ruins of Nalanda mahavihara.
• According to the Digambara tradition, Kundalpur is regarded as the birthplace of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara.

Religious Significance

Kundalpur is an important Jain pilgrimage centre in Bihar and has been proposed for development as part of the state's Jain circuit. For Digambara Jains, the religious importance of Kundalpur derives principally from the tradition identifying it as the birthplace of Mahavira. The site is also traditionally associated with Mahavira's ganadharas, particularly Gautama Swami, whose image is enshrined in the modern temple complex.

Dress Code

Modest, respectful clothing is expected at this site.

Festivals

• •Kundalpur Mahotsav is the main festival celebrated in here, the event is organised on the day of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak.

History

• •Kundalpur was an ancient capital city ruled by the Licchavi.
• •Kundalpur is believed to be the birthplace of Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara of Jainism.
• •The identification of Kundalpur near Nalanda as Mahavira's birthplace is specific to Digambara tradition.
• •Other Jain traditions and modern scholarship have identified Basukund near Vaishali with the ancient Kundagrama associated with Mahavira's birth.

Architecture

• •The ancient Jain temple called Simhamukhi Teela is located near Nalanda and houses a 4.5 feet (1.4 m) idol of Mahavira.
• •The temple houses a number of Jain artifacts.
• •The new temple complex, located 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the ancient temple, consists of five temples.
• •The temple is constructed using stones from Jaisalmer housing idols of Mahavira, Rishabhanatha and Gautama Swami.

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