Arra, situated 61 km from Patna, is another stronghold of Jainism in Bihar. Many ancient Jain relics, artifacts and images excavated around Arra show that Jainism flourished here as far back as 6th century AD. During the past few decades Jains of Arra have been lavishly religious and because of their efforts this area now boasts of more than 40 Jain temples, which act as magnet for tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. Some of these modern Jain temples are replicas of ancient Jain temples elsewhere and no expense seems to have been spared in constructing them. The imposing ten foot high idol of Bhagwan Bahubali, in Shri Bahubali mandir at outskirts of Arra is a copy of Bahubali swami’s statue in Mysore. The statue is installed on an artificial hillock and the area around it is tastefully decorated with engravings of flowers, fruits and creepers. The famous Jalmandir of Pawapuri aptly replicated in an exquisite poetry in marble at heart of Ara exudes grace and elegance. Sculptors and architects have displayed remarkable finesse in building a wonderful marble temple inside a tank, chockfull with captivating mass of lotus flowers. Within the tank is a forty feet long and four feet wide bridge, which is a gateway to the main temple premises. Enshrined within temple’s sanctum sanctorum is an intricate image of Lord Mahavira.