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About Champapuri Jain Tirth
Champapuri Jain Tirth is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains, located near Bhagalpur in Bihar. The main temple, known as Champapuri Jain Mandir, is home to the presiding deity, Shri Vasupujiya Bhagwan. The temple is situated on the banks of the Ganga River, close to the Bhagalpur railway station, in a place called Champanagar.
Historical Significance of Champapuri Jain Mandir
Champapuri is an ancient and holy place with a rich history. It was once the capital of the Anga region during the time of Bhagwan Shri Adinath, the first Tirthankar. The 12th Tirthankar, Bhagwan Shri Vasupujiya, experienced all five significant life events (Kalyanaks) here, including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and liberation (moksha).
Bhagwan Vasupujiya was born to King Vasupujiya and Queen Jayadevi. He decided to live a spiritual life and became a monk after renouncing his royal status. While meditating under a patal tree, he attained Keval Gnan, the supreme knowledge. Eventually, he and his 600 disciples achieved moksha at this sacred site.
Other Notable Visits to Champapur Jain Temple
Throughout history, other prominent Jain figures, including Bhagwan Shri Parshvanath and Bhagwan Shri Mahavir, visited this holy site. Lord Mahavir’s followers, Shri Sidharma Swami and Shri Jambu, also paid their respects here. The city flourished under various rulers, such as Kunik (Ajathashatru), making it a significant cultural and spiritual hub for Jains.
The Unique Features of Champapuri Jain Tirth
Despite being an ancient city, few historic artworks remain visible today, possibly due to renovations and relocations over the centuries. The main Champapur Jain Temple showcases various idols of Bhagwan Shri Vasupujiya at different spots within the temple complex, representing all his five Kalyanaks. There are also Shvetamber and Digamber Jain temples nearby, including the notable Digamber temple on Mount Mandagiri.
How to Reach Champapuri Jain Tirth Bihar
Reaching Champapuri Jain Tirth in Bihar is convenient. The Bhagalpur railway station is about 6 km from the Shvetamber temple and 3 km from the Digamber temple. Visitors can take buses, autos, or private vehicles to reach the temple gates directly. The temple is easily accessible by road and well connected with other major cities.
Facilities for Pilgrims at Champapuri Jain Tirth
For Jain pilgrims, Champapuri offers comfortable amenities. Both Digamber and Shvetamber dharamshalas provide lodging facilities near the temples. There are also bhojanshalas (dining halls) available for meals, ensuring a pleasant stay for devotees visiting the Champapuri Jain Temple.
Temple Management
The Champapuri Jain Mandir is managed by the Shri Jain Shvetamber Society and Shri Champanagiri Digamber Jain Siddhakshetra, ensuring proper upkeep and services for pilgrims.
- Shri Jain Shvetamber Society, Sri Champanagiri Teerth
- Post: Champanagari – 812 004
- Dist: Bhagalpur (Bihar)
- Tel: 0641 500205
- Shri Champanagiri Digamber Jain Siddhakshetra
- P.O.: Nathnagar – 812 006
- Dist: Bhagalpur (Bihar)
- Tel: 0641 500522
Visiting Champapuri Jain Temple
Visiting Champapuri Jain Temple allows devotees to connect with a place of deep historical and spiritual importance. Each year, on Ashadh Sukla 14, a grand festival is held where laddus are offered, and thousands of devotees participate in the worship ceremonies. This is a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage and profound tranquility of this sacred Jain site.
To learn more about Jainism, check out our section on Jain Temples, where we explore their history and beautiful designs. You can also visit our Jain Symbols page to understand the meanings behind different symbols. Join us on Jain Alerts as we share and celebrate the rich heritage and teachings of Jainism.
