Vaishali / Kundpur

Mahavira's birthplace according to the Shvetambara tradition. (Digambara tradition holds Kundalpur in Nalanda district as the birthplace — see that entry.)

Vaishali (Kundagrama / Kundpur) is honored in the Shvetambara tradition as the birthplace of Bhagavan Mahavira. The Bawan Pokhar temple complex stands beside a large tank with 52 small shrines and a central image of Mahavira. The Digambara tradition places Mahavira's birth at Kundalpur near Nalanda; both traditions are honored here, and the disagreement is well-known.

Associated Tirthankaras

• 24Mahavira (Vardhamana)