Kundalpur is a village located just outside of Nalanda, in the state of Bihar, India. It is most famous for being believed to be the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last of Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) according to Jainism. There is a grand temple complex built here to commemorate this, featuring a beautiful four and a half foot tall idol of Bhagwan Mahavira Padmasana.
Another important Jain figure, Gautam Swamiji, the first disciple of Lord Mahavira, is also believed to have been born in Kundalpur. The serene Trikal Chaubeesi Jinmandir within the complex features 72 idols of Tirthankaras. These represent 24 Tirthankaras from each of the past, present, and future ages according to Jain cosmology.
Kundalpur is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centers in Bihar, and is included in plans to be developed as part of a larger Jain circuit. Historically, Kundalpur was an ancient capital city ruled by the Licchavi people.
Since Kundalpur is located near Rajgir, you can easily combine a visit to these two destinations. Rajgir is a town steeped in history, having been an important center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism for centuries. Here you can find many other religious sites, including the ruins of Nalanda University, one of the ancient world's most famous Buddhist universities.