Champapur is quite an ancient and historic Teerth Kshetra. It is the only ‘Panch Kalyanaka Kshetra’ in the world, connected with the five significant events— Garbha (conception), Janma (birth), Tapa (penance), Gyan (omniscience), and Moksha (liberation)—of the 12th Teerthankar Bhagwan Vasupoojya (the first ascetic saint).
Champapur was the capital of the Anga Janpada, one of the 52 Janpadas established by Adi Teerthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev. It was also counted among the six Maha Janpadas during the time of Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami. This place is significant for its association with:
- The three Chaturmasa periods of Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami during his Dikshakal (period of renunciation)
- The religious propagation center for Anga, Banga, Magadh, and Vaishali
- The test of modesty of Sati Subhadra and Anantmati
- Aahardan (first meal after penance) given to Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami by Sati Chandan Bala
Champapur is also connected with several legends, including the origin of Harivansha, the story of Shripal-Mainasundari, Shri Dharma Ghosh Muni, King Karna of Mahabharata, King Mudrak, and the renowned architect Vishvakarma.
The importance of Champapur grows further because of the arrival of Samavsharan (divine assembly) of all 24 Teerthankaras. This place is both a Siddha Kshetra (where souls have attained liberation) and the site of many miracles. The reddish diamond-colored Padmasana idol of 1008 Bhagwan Shri Vasupoojya, seated on the principal altar of the main temple, is highly attractive and provides peace to the devotees’ minds and souls. Worship performed here with devotion is believed to fulfill all desires.
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Main Temple and Idol in Shri Champapur Digamber Temple
The main temple at Champapur Siddha Kshetra is around 2500 years old. Symbolic of the Panch Kalyanaka, the temple has five altars, a magnificent spire, and two Columns of Fame (Keerti Stambhas). Originally, four Columns of Fame existed in the temple complex, but two were destroyed during the 1934 earthquake. The remaining two were repaired in 1938. These columns are about 2200 years old.
The Padmasana idol of Bhagwan Vasupoojya Swami, with its reddish hue, is both mesmerizing and miraculous. The idol’s color closely resembles the actual complexion of Bhagwan Vasupoojya. Additionally, an Ashtadhatu idol (made of eight metals) and ancient foot images of Bhagwan Vasupoojya are also installed here. Surrounding the main altar, several other artistic idols are present, enhancing the temple’s sanctity.
A unique feature is the Ashta-Pratiharya, a magnificent artistic display in glass. The entrance gate of the temple, built in the style of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal (the Pink City), is grand and artistic.
Shri Champapur Digamber Temple Timings:
- Digamber Temple: 6 AM to 9 PM
- Forest Area: 12 PM to 6 PM
Other Temples near Shri Champapur Temple
- North-facing Adinath Jinalaya: Located in the southern part of the complex, this temple contains a 2000-year-old Khadgasana idol of Bhagwan Adinath from the Kushan period.
- The temple also houses a rare and artistic marble slab depicting the images of all 24 Teerthankaras collectively.
Column of Dignity
The 61-feet high Column of Dignity (Manstambha) is one of the tallest such columns in eastern India. It features:
- Jin idols on all four sides of the apex
- Four altars in the middle section with idols
- Carvings of 16 dreams seen by the Teerthankar’s mother before his birth
Surrounding the column are 24 Tonks (shrines) dedicated to the 24 Teerthankaras. The temple of Bhagwan Bahubali is particularly attractive. The foot images of Ganadhar Mandar, the first disciple of Bhagwan Vasupoojya, are present at the end of these Tonks.
The complex also includes:
- Bhagwan Shantinath Mandir with a 9.25-feet idol
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami Mandir with a 7.25-feet idol
- An artistic mirror temple with a 7.25-feet Khadgasana idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath under a canopy of seven serpent hoods
- Samavsharan Mandir featuring an idol of Bhagwan Simandhar as the principal deity
- A grand Jal Mandir with a 16-feet idol of Bhagwan Vasupoojya seated on a lotus in an artificial lake. The marble umbrella and pink halo behind the idol enhance its beauty.
Natural Beauty near Shri Champapur Digamber temple
The surroundings of Champapur Siddha Kshetra are natural, charming, and serene, with fruit-bearing trees all around. The Kailash Mountain, an artificial structure to the east, and the Shripal-Mainasundari Garden, the only tourist spot in Bhagalpur, enhance the beauty of the place.
Facilities
- Bharat Sagar Nilaya – A: 13 rooms
- Bharat Sagar Nilaya – B: 15 rooms
- Mandir Dharmashala – A: 6 rooms
- Mandir Dharmashala – B: 11 rooms
- Mandir Dharmashala – C: 10 rooms
The complex offers tents, beds, and utensils for visitors. Bhojanshala (dining hall) operates throughout the year except from April to Bhadrapada Mas. With prior notice, food can be arranged during this period.
How to Reach Shri Champapur Digamber temple
- By Road: 3.5 km from Bhagalpur Station; taxis, tongas, and tempos are available. Buses run from Patna, Lakhi Saraya, and Munger.
- By Train: Direct trains connect Bhagalpur with Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Patna, Gaya, and Allahabad.
- By Air: Bhagalpur, Ranchi, and Patna have the nearest airports.
Nearby Attractions
- Kuppaghat: A scenic spot 4 km east of Bhagalpur on the banks of the Ganga River.
- Karnagarh: The historical residence of King Karna, where he performed charity after his daily baths.
Bhagalpur is also known as the Silk City of India, renowned for its silk production throughout the country.
