Which princely state in Bihar was a major center of Jain pilgrimage?

Pawapuri
Dumraon
Tekari
Ramgarh

The correct answer is Pawapuri.

Pawapuri is a town and a notified area committee in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is located 10 km from Nalanda city and 100 km from Patna. The town is a major center of Jain pilgrimage, as it is the site of the nirvana (death) of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

Pawapuri was originally a village called Pava. It was the capital of the kingdom of Magadha during the reign of Bimbisara. Mahavira was born in Kundagrama, which is now a part of Patna, in 599 BCE. He renounced the world at the age of 30 and spent the next 60 years wandering as an ascetic. He attained nirvana at Pavapuri in 527 BCE.

The main attraction of Pawapuri is the Mahavira Nirvana Stupa, which is a large dome-shaped structure that marks the spot where Mahavira attained nirvana. The stupa is surrounded by a number of temples and shrines, including the Shanti Stupa, which is a white marble stupa that was built in the 20th century.

Pawapuri is also home to a number of other Jain temples and shrines, including the Parshvanatha Temple, the Suraj Kund, and the Ahimsa Sthal. The Parshvanatha Temple is a 12th-century temple that is dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. The Suraj Kund is a sacred pond that is said to have been created by the sun god, Surya. The Ahimsa Sthal is a platform where Mahavira is said to have preached the doctrine of non-violence.

Pawapuri is a popular tourist destination and is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. The town is well connected by road and rail to other parts of India.