Kundalpur is the birthplace of the most famous disciple of Lord Mahavira namely "Gautam Swamiji" and is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar. It is said that Lord Mahavira has visited this place several times to impart his religious teachings. Kundalpur is a famous pilgrim centre of Jainism. It is also home to Kundalpur Teerth Temple, which is maintained by Shri Jain Shwetambar Bhandar.
History of Kundalpur
In ancient times, Nalanda and Kundalpur were the satellite towns of Rajgir. Later King Kumara Guptamade Buddhist monastery for the monks during 424 BC to 454 BC and due to the establishment of University of Nalanda it became a famous centre for Buddhist studies.
Significance of Kundalpur
The importance of Kundalpur lies in the fact that it is the birthplace of Gautam Swamiji, the first disciple of Lord Mahavira. Besides, the Lord himself came here several times to preach his religious teachings. Lord Mahavir is said to have spent 22 years of his life at Kundalpur. Lord Mahavir"s three Ganadhars "Agnibhuti", "Vayubhuti" and "Indrabhuti" were said to be born at this place. Several visits to this place, preachings and sermons delivered here have made this place very important.
Temples at Kundalpur
"Kundalpur Mahavir Teerth Temple" is huge and magnificent with beautiful spires. There is an ancient umbrella outside the temple where foot images of Lord Mahavira are installed. Apart from this temple there is a "Digambar Jain Temple" and one Dharamshala near the temple to accommodate pilgrims.
"Nandyavrat Mahal" a palace where Lord Mahavir was born and several other temples are like "Bhagavan Mahavir Jin Mandir", "Bhagavan Rishabh Dev Jin Mandir", "Navagraha Jin Mandir", "Trikaal Choubisee Jin Mandir" and "Shantinath Jinalaya" are also situated in Kundalpur.
How to Reach Kundalpur
Several buses and taxis are available from Bihar Sharif to Kundalpur as the connectivity of the road is quite well. Patna and Bodh Gaya are the closest airports.
