Kundalpur Mahavir Temple is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, around 3 km from Nalanda town.This sacred place is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Kundalpur is the janmabhoomi (birthplace) of Lord Mahavira, who was born in 599 BCE. According to Jain texts, he was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Ancient scriptures describe Kundalpur as a prosperous town during Mahavira’s time. Though some historians debate whether Vaishali or Kundalpur is his exact birthplace, Kundalpur is widely accepted by Digambara Jains as the true birthplace and is a major pilgrimage site.
The main temple structure is built in traditional Jain architectural style with clean white marble and simple, peaceful aesthetics. The sanctum houses a serene idol of Lord Mahavira in padmasana (lotus position). The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses). The temple has a quiet and spiritual ambiance, ideal for meditation and reflection. The place is kept clean and serene, reflecting Jain values of purity and non-violence.
Long ago, in the ancient land of Kundalpur, there ruled a noble king named Siddhartha and his virtuous queen Trishala. They belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, and their kingdom was known for peace, prosperity, and righteousness.
One night, Queen Trishala had 16 divine dreams, each symbolizing the birth of a great soul. Learned Jain scholars interpreted these dreams and told the royal couple that the queen would give birth to a Tirthankara, a spiritual savior of mankind.
In the gardens of Kundalpur Palace, Queen Trishala gave birth to a radiant child, whom they named Vardhamana, meaning “one who grows and prospers.” The entire city celebrated with great joy, as the birth of a Tirthankara was considered the holiest of blessings.
As a child, Vardhamana showed signs of extraordinary compassion, wisdom, and courage. Legends say that at the age of just 9, he fearlessly encountered a serpent in the royal garden, showing no fear and only kindness. This moment was believed to be one of the signs that he was destined for a higher spiritual path.
It is said that Kundalpur is where Lord Mahavira spent his early years, surrounded by nature, noble values, and deep learning. The sacred soil of Kundalpur holds the vibrations of the Tirthankara’s footsteps, making it a divine tirtha (pilgrimage site) for Jain devotees.
Over the centuries, oral stories and Jain scriptures have preserved the memory of Lord Mahavira’s birth and early life in Kundalpur. The temple that stands today is a tribute to this divine connection, and pilgrims come here to feel the spiritual energy of the place where Mahavira once lived.
The temple celebrates many Jain festivals with devotion, but the most significant is Mahavir Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. It usually falls in March or April. On this day, thousands of pilgrims gather for processions, prayer meetings, charity events, and community meals. Other Jain festivals like Paryushan and Kshamavani (Forgiveness Day) are also observed with religious fervor.
