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8 ft. in diameter, surmounted by a miniature temple only 3 ft. 4 inches in diameter containing the footprints of Mahavir. The whole work is called Samo-saran, and is said to be the place where Mahavir sat to teach his disciples, who were arranged in concentric circles around him. As usual at all Jain places, where no living thing is killed there are numerous snakes all about the lake. The fish may eat each other, but they are not molested by man, and when they die, their bodies are carefully brought ashore and buried”.
Pawapuri is now well connected with an all-weather road from Patna or Gaya. It is near Bakhtiarpur station on the Eastern Railway. There have been some additions to the structures mentioned before. The place is well noted for its scenic beauty and particularly when the lotus flowers in the ponds are in full bloom. There is, however, no modern Inspection or Rest Bungalow near Pawapuri. Temporary accommodation in the adjoining Dharmasbala is available.
Rajgir in Patna district is another great sacred place for the Jains. Rajgir is a village in the Bihar subdivision about 14 miles south-west of the town of Bihar and is the terminus of the Light Railway from Bakhtiarpur. There is a first class metalled road (64 miles) now from Patna to Rajgir and several buses ply on this road. Rajgir is rapidly growing into .a township and there are Circuit House, Inspection Bungalows, Dormitories, Dharmashalas and private buildings available for the stay of the pilgrims and tourists. Rajgir is a great confluence of both Buddhism and Jainism. It has got a number of hot springs in the adjoining hills the water of which has got Spa value. There are now good arrangements for bathing in the hot springs. The place has got electricity. Hotel accommodation of ordinary standard is also available. It has a Dispensary, Post, Telegraph and Telephone office.
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