Among the following places, which one is specially associated with Jainism because it is linked with the last Tirthankara Mahavira?

Introduction / Context:
Holy places associated with the lives of religious founders are often asked in competitive exams. Jainism, like Buddhism, has several important sites connected with events in the life of its last Tirthankara, Vardhamana Mahavira. This question checks whether you can identify whichlocation in the options has a special connection with Jainism, in particular with Mahavira s final liberation or nirvana.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are given four places: Kapilvastu, Pava, Prayag, and Shravasti.
• Only one of them is strongly associated with a key event in Mahavira s life.
• The question belongs to the general knowledge and Indian history section.

Concept / Approach:
Kapilvastu and Shravasti are primarily associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, while Prayag is an ancient pilgrimage centre at the confluence of rivers. Pava, often identified with Pawapuri in present day Bihar, is the place where Mahavira is believed to have attained nirvana or final liberation and where a famous Jain temple and Jal Mandir now stand. Therefore, the logical approach is to match Jainism, Mahavira, and the site of nirvana with Pava or Pawapuri.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kapilvastu was the childhood home of Prince Siddhartha, who became Gautama Buddha. Step 2: Remember that Shravasti was one of the main centres where Buddha spent many monsoon retreats. Step 3: Recognise that Prayag, modern Prayagraj, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site at the sangam of rivers, but not specifically Jain in this context. Step 4: Identify Pava or Pawapuri in Bihar as the place where Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained nirvana. Step 5: Conclude that Pava is the option most closely associated with Jainism and Mahavira.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard religious history references confirm that Pawapuri is a key Jain pilgrimage centre. It houses the Jal Mandir built where Mahavira is believed to have been cremated and to have attained liberation. This clearly distinguishes it from the mainly Buddhist and Hindu sites in the other options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kapilvastu and Shravasti are essentially Buddhist sites and are linked to episodes in the life of Gautama Buddha. Prayag is mainly associated with Hindu religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela. None of these places has the same central importance to Jainism as Pava or Pawapuri does.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick Kapilvastu or Shravasti simply because they remember them as important ancient religious places without carefully distinguishing between Buddhism and Jainism. Building a mental map of which site belongs to which tradition helps prevent such mistakes.

Final Answer:
The place specially associated with Jainism, as the site of Mahavira s nirvana, is Pava (Pawapuri).