Lucknow: After Gujarat’s famed hill town of Pavagadh, known for its rich historical and religious heritage, Uttar Pradesh is set to have a place bearing the same name. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced that Fazil Nagar in Kushinagar district will be renamed Pavagadh in honour of Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir.

The decision comes after the Kushinagar district administration submitted a proposal to the state government seeking the renaming of Fazil Nagar. The new name is inspired by Pawapuri in Bihar, a revered Jain pilgrimage centre closely associated with Lord Mahavir.

Addressing a public event in Fazil Nagar, Adityanath said the proposal had been approved and that the town would now receive a new identity linked to Lord Mahavir’s legacy. He said the renaming would help promote the region’s cultural and spiritual significance and attract visitors from across the country and abroad.

The announcement has drawn attention because Gujarat is already home to the historic town of Pavagadh in Panchmahal district. Perched atop an ancient volcanic hill and paired with the historic city of Champaner, Pavagadh forms part of the UNESCO-recognised Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

Gujarat’s Pavagadh is renowned for the revered Kalika Mata Temple. Legend holds that the right toe of Goddess Sati fell at Pavagadh, making it one of the holiest Shakti Peethas in India. Pavagadh also houses several centuries-old Jain shrines, reflecting the site’s multi-faith heritage. The hill and surrounding archaeological remains preserve a unique blend of Hindu and Jain history dating from the 8th to the 16th centuries.

Around the 14th century, Pavagadh served as the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs. However, in 1484, Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Begada captured the hill fortress after a prolonged 20-month siege. Facing certain defeat, many Rajput defenders are said to have performed jauhar. Following the conquest, Begada developed Champaner at the foothills into his grand capital city. The city’s prominence was short-lived, however, as it was seized by Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535. Thereafter, the capital shifted back to Ahmedabad, and Champaner gradually declined into ruins.

The renaming of Fazil Nagar means Uttar Pradesh will now join Gujarat in having a location known as Pavagadh, a name carrying strong historical, religious and cultural associations. DeshGujarat