Kushinagar - Attained Mahaparnirvana

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Kushinagar was earlier known by the name Kushawati which holds its importance as one of the holy places of Buddhism. This is the place where Gautam Buddha had surrendered his last breath as the founder and the deity of Buddhist Religion. This whole pilgrimage was known as complete Nirvana or termed as Mahaparnirvana.

Located 55 km away from Gorakhpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the Holy pilgrimage of Buddha to Kushinagar is indeed an experience. Lord Buddha has preached his entire experience to his devotees and followers at this holy place in 543 B.C. The most important aspect of this place is the cremation of Lord Buddha in Ramabhar, which is also situated at Kushinagar.

Buddhism started flourishing in India with the excavations leading to the discovery of several places at Kushinagar, making it an important Centre of learning Buddhism. This also led to the emergence of several Buddhist pilgrims during the medieval period. Being an important and Holy Buddhist nerve Centre, Pawanagar holds its importance of this place, when Buddha joined the threads to Jainism after attaining the Enlightenment.

King Ashoka as an ardent devotee of Lord Buddha, visited this place and had built several Buddhist shrines and Temples which were later excavated by the British Archeologist Cunningham.

Location

Kushinagar is situated at a distance of 53 km west of Gorakhpur, in Uttar Pradesh, in the northern part of India.

Buddhist Attractions in Kushinagar

Nirvana Stupa and temple - This stupa made of bricks, excavated by Carlyle in 1867, stands at a height of 2.74 meter. The excavations leading to the finding of the copper vessel and the Brahmi inscription on it proving the matter that Buddha’s ashes were buried in the pace, made this place a suddenly important destination for all Buddhists devotees. Besides, the huge reclining statue of Buddha in the temple is also very attractive.

Bodhgaya - Varanasi

Mahaparnirvana temple : This is more than 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side. Ask For Kushinagar Travel Detail

Wat Thai temple : The unique temple, built to celebrate the victory of King Bhumibol's great accession of the throne, and the subsequent Golden Jubilee, is worth a watch, especially because of the innumerable trees that were planted here. Besides, there's the Chinese temple, the Meditation Park and an International Buddha trust, and the Birla temple to add charm to roaming around in the city.

Ramabhar Stupa : About 1.5 km away from Mahaparnirvana Temple, this large Stupa rises to a height of 49 ft. It marks the site where the Lord Buddha was cremated. In ancient Buddhist texts, this Stupa has been referred to as 'Mukut-Bandhan Vihar'.

Japanese temple : A beautiful eight metals statue of the Buddha, which was brought from Japan, can be visited here.


How to get there

By Air - Gorakhpur is the nearest airport, at a distance of 44 kms from the place. Kasia airstrip-5 Kms, Amausi airport Lucknow-252 Kms, Babatpur Airport in Varanasi-286 Kms.

By Rail - The nearest railway station, a convenient one, is Gorakhpur, which is linked to important railway stations.

By Road - The national highway numbered 28 connects the place with other important destinations of the state.

Buddhist Tour Destinations