This holy pilgrimage is the place of Death of the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, Bhagwan Mahavira. He died at this place on the day of Diwali in 527 BC at the age of 72. Jain followers celebrate this day with devotion as Diwali festival.
He was born in the Kshatriya clan in the royal family of Magadh. King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala were his father and mother. He was Prince Vardhaman and he left the royal life at the age of 30. After twelve years of rigorous penance, he overcame all his impurities, renounced worldly desires and liberated his soul, and so was called Mahavira.
To get rid of sorrows, Mahavira showed the society the path of truth, non-violence, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession.
This temple was first built by his elder brother King Nandivardhan in 527 BC, which has been renovated from time to time by many religious men and organizations.
The present Jal Mandir is a unique artwork made of white marble in the middle of the Kamal Sarovar. In its northern part, there is a grand Arched entrance gate which leads to the temple, which is made of sandstone.
The footprints of Tirthankara Lord Mahavir are engraved in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. On the left side, the footprints of his first Ganadhar disciple Indrabhuti Gautam and on the right side, the footprints of the fifth disciple Ganadhar Sudharma Swami are engraved.
The place where the marble temple is located is the original place where Mahavir Swami was cremated. This place is also known as Apaapapuri. It is believed that praying here leads to the absolution of sins.
His teachings of non-violence, Live and let live. Love all living beings to the World are the essence of our lives and purpose.