Jainism in Bihar

Jain in Bihar

Jain Temple in Pawapuri. Pawapuri is one of the holiest city of Jainism.
Total population
'18,914' (0.02%) (2011)
Regions with significant populations
Most significant populations in Patna · Rajgir
Languages
Bhojpuri, Magahi
Religion
Jainism

Jainism in Bihar trace a long history since the times of twenty-fourth Tirthankara Mahavira, who was born in Vaishali (near Hajipur). The state of Bihar is considered to have played an important role in the development of Jainism.

Vasupujya, the 12th Jain Tirthankara was born in Champapur, Bhagalpur and attained all his Pancha Kalyanaka in Champapuri. Munisuvrata, the 20th Jain tirthankara was born in Rajgir. Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism, was born in Vaishali around sixth century B.C.^[1] His father was Kshatriya from Ikshvaku Dynasty chief of Kundalpur which has been identified with modern-day Nalanda district.^[2] Mahavir achieved nirvana in Pawapuri which is today a pilgrimage site for Jains from across the world.^[3] An ancient black statue of Lord Mahavira weighing around 250 kg was recently stolen from Jamui, Bihar. The statue was later recovered by the Police.^[4]

Pataliputra, Champapuri and Vaishali are significant religious places in Jainism. Kamaldah Jain Temple is the oldest Jain temple in Patna built in the 18th century. This temple, belonging to the Śvetāmbara sect of Jainism, is dedicated to Neminatha, the 22nd tirthankara. It is believed to be built on the site where Jain acharya Sthulabhadra (297—198 BCE) spent his last days. Sthulabhadra, a major preceptor of Śvētāmbara sect of Jainism,^[5] was the successor of Bhadrabahu The temple was built in 1729 CE (V.S. 1848) to commemorate the Sthulabhadra.^[6] The temple houses an inscription dating back to 1792 CE.^[7][8]

• Jal Mandir, Pawapuri
• Lachhuar Jain temple
• Champapur Jain Temple
• Arrah Jain temple

• Siddha Kshetra Kamaldahji
• Siddha Kshetra Mandargiri
• Siddha Kshetra, Kundalpur
• Rajgir
• Siddha Kshsetra Gunawaji

• Rajgir
• Champapuri
• Vasupujya

Jainism is a minority religion of Bihar, being practiced by 0.2% of the total state population. The Jain population in Bihar is 18,914 as of 2011 census report. As per 2001 census, Only 16,085 Jain were living in Bihar.

• Dalal, Roshen (2010) [2006]. The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin books. ISBN 978-0-14-341517-6.
• Singh, Pradyuman (2018). Bihar General Knowledge Digest. New Delhi: Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN 978-93-52667-69-7.
• Sinha, Nishi (1999). Tourism Perspective in Bihar. New Delhi: APH Publishing. ISBN 978-81-70249-75-7.
• Wood, Michael (2015). The Story of India. Michael Wood: The Story of India. BBC Books. ISBN 9781448141463.