Pawanagar, Kushinagar

Pawanagar, also called Pawapuri, is considered as the nirvana bhoomi of Lord Mahavira. It is located on NH 28 about 22 km east of Kushinagar. The city is associated both with Buddhist and Jain saints. According to Jain scriptures, the 24th or the last Tirthankar, Bhagwan Mahavir left his physical body and attained Nirwana in 543 BC at this place.

A temple has been built here to mark the occasion. It contains a magnificent Manasthamba and four artistically carved idols. According to Buddhist literature, Bhagwan Buddha also accepted Sukaramaddava (mushrooms meals) from his disciple Chund Kammara on his way from Vaishali to Kushinagar.

The city with its historical monuments is one of the most visited destinations for the Jains, Buddhists and common tourists. It draws huge crowds of Jain devotees from all over the world on Kartik Purnima and Deepawali. When Nirvana Mahotsav is celebrated and the Nirwan Diwas of Lord Mahavir is held, processions are taken out.