Kushinagar is a small town in Uttar Pradesh, that holds a great importance in Buddhist history and spiritual conventions. It is the place where chose to attain his Mahaparinirvana, which is the final liberation from the cycle of bondage.

Here is the Kushinagar Stupa, also known to be Mahaparinirvana Stupa, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide. This stupa stands as the symbol of Buddha’s final journey.

Historical Significance

The Kushinagar Stupa was built during the era of Ashoka the Great, in the 3^rd century BCE. The initial architecture is not what we see today; over the centuries various rulers, including  Gupta Dynasty, helped in the expansion of this pilgrim site.

For a while this site remained unnoticed as Buddhism gradually faded in India, but in the 19^th century it was rediscovered and thus eventually continued.

Architectural Beauty of Kushinagar Stupa

The Mahaparinirvana Stupa is a grand monument made entirely out of bricks, that fits a colossal Buddha Statue in the reclining Position, which is more than 6 meters long.

This statue is carved from sandstone, in which Buddha is reclining on his right side, it is a very calming statue to look at where one is ready to transition into the final journey, with peace.

Here the Stupa is fashioned in traditional Buddhist architectural style because of its ancient existence. It has a dome-like structure that is a Buddhist symbol for cosmology of the universe.

Significance of Kushinagar for Buddhists

There are four major sites in India that are associated with Buddha’s life, and Kushinagar has relevance with Buddha’s final years. The Mahaparinirvana Sutra states that Buddha spent last moments here, engaged in instructing his disciples about dharma until the moment he passed away.

This is the place where Buddha left his body and thus this place is considered highly sacred, devotees from all over the world visit this site.

Other important sites in Kushinagar

Apart from the Kushinagar Stupa, there are other sites one can visit that also have great relevance to Buddhists.

·        Ramabhar Stupa

This is the place where Buddha’s body was cremated.

·        Matha Kuar Shrine

The massive statue of Buddha present here is a point of attraction for those who visit Kushinagar.

·        International Buddhist Monasteries

Different Buddhist communities have built monasteries here from worldwide and each of them portrays a unique architectural style, holding diversity at one place.

Modern relevance of Kushinagar

Kushinagar attracts thousands of monks, scholars and tourists as well every year. The Indian government and the international Buddhists organizations have taken thoughtful initiatives for the promotion of this site.

Annual celebrations and festivities are major tourist attractions especially on Buddha Purnima also known as “Vesak”. This day celebrates the Birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Buddha, all which have occurred on the full moon day of the Hindu Vaishakha month.

Also Read:

• Sanchi Stupa: A Timeless Monument of Buddhist Heritage
• Ajanta Caves: The Architecture of Ancient India
• Bodh Gaya Temple – The Holiest Buddhist Pilgrimage Site