Mahavira's Moksha Attainment Place Explained

The question asks about the specific location where Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained moksha (liberation or salvation), also referred to as becoming a Siddha. Understanding this place is crucial in Jain history and pilgrimage.

Significance of Mahavira and Moksha

Lord Mahavira is a central figure in Jainism, revered as the last spiritual teacher who revived and organized the Jain faith. Achieving moksha signifies the soul's complete freedom from the cycle of birth and death (samsara), an ultimate goal in Jain philosophy. This liberation is attained through rigorous spiritual practices, detachment, and enlightenment.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options:

• Purushapura: This ancient city, also known as Peshawar, is located in modern-day Pakistan. It was a significant center in ancient Gandhara but is not associated with Mahavira's final liberation.
• Pavapuri: Located in the present-day state of Bihar, India, Pavapuri (also known as Pawa) is historically significant in Jainism. It is widely accepted as the place where Lord Mahavira breathed his last and attained moksha.
• Rajagriha: Also in Bihar, Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) was an important city and the capital of Magadha. While Mahavira spent time preaching here, it is not the site of his moksha.
• Kapilavastu: This ancient city is famously known as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It is not related to the life events or final liberation of Lord Mahavira.

Mahavira's Final Liberation

According to Jain tradition and historical accounts, Lord Mahavira attained nirvana (moksha) at Pavapuri on the last day of Diwali (Kartika Krishna Amavasya) in 527 BCE. He was around 72 years old when he passed away and became a Siddha, achieving omniscient consciousness and eternal bliss. Pavapuri remains a major Jain pilgrimage site today, commemorating this significant event.

Therefore, the correct place where Mahavira attained moksha is Pavapuri.