Bihar is considered the birthplace and heartland of Jainism, one of the oldest religions of India. The 24th and last Tirthankara, Vardhamana Mahavira, attained spiritual enlightenment in Bihar. Many important events in the development of Jainism are directly connected to this region.
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Birth of Mahavira
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Vardhamana Mahavira was born in 599 BCE at Kundagrama near Vaishali (Bihar).
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He belonged to the Jnatrika clan of the Vajji confederacy.
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Renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and became an ascetic.
Spiritual Journey and Enlightenment
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After years of meditation and penance, Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (supreme knowledge) at Jrimbhikagrama (near Rajgir, Bihar).
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His teachings emphasized non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha).
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These became the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) of Jainism.
Preaching in Bihar
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Rajgir and Vaishali were important centers where Mahavira preached.
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He organized the Jain Sangha (community) with monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
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Spread Jainism among both rulers and common people.
Nirvana of Mahavira
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Mahavira attained Nirvana (liberation) in 527 BCE at Pavapuri (Nalanda district, Bihar).
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Jal Mandir at Pavapuri was built at the site of his cremation, which remains a major Jain pilgrimage center.
Councils and Jain Literature in Bihar
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The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra (Patna) in the 3rd century BCE under the patronage of King Chandragupta Maurya.
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Jain scriptures were compiled in Prakrit language.
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The Second Jain Council was also held in Pataliputra, which led to the division of Jainism into two sects:
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Shvetambaras (white-clad monks)
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Digambaras (sky-clad monks)
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Jain Pilgrimage Sites in Bihar
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Vaishali – Birthplace of Mahavira.
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Rajgir – Place of his meditation and preaching.
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Pavapuri – Place of Mahavira’s Nirvana, site of the sacred Jal Mandir.
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Champapuri (Bhagalpur district) – Associated with earlier Tirthankaras.
Importance of Bihar in Jainism
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Birthplace and Nirvana land of Mahavira, the most important figure in Jainism.
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Hosted major Jain councils that shaped the religious texts and doctrines.
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Bihar remains one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage regions in India, with Pavapuri as the holiest site.