Kushinagar Pilgrimage Destination

Being another major center of Buddhism worth a sincere praise and having been once a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom, Kushinagar is the place, where Lord Buddha breathed his last near the River Hiranyavati and his cremation was performed at the Rambhar Stupa. This place is home to several of its Stupas and Viharas dating back to 230 BC-413 AD, the period of its peak prosperity. While delivering lectures to his Sangha on a full moon light of the Magh month in 543 BC, the legend announced that he is going to breathe his last soon enough.

Some antique structures and artifacts, which are pertaining to all sects of Buddhism, have been revealed after the excavations instructed by general Cunningham. The grand Chaityas, Viharas, temples and Tibetan monasteries of Kushinagar are also the expressions of the common thread of all sects of Buddhism. The town was also famous as Kushinara and Kasia in old times.

Major Attractions

Nirvana Chaitya (Main Stupa)

Situated at the altitude of 2.74 meters, Nirvana Stupa, the excavation of which was led by Carlyle in 1867, is made of bricks. With the Brahmi inscription on it, the copper vessel, which was found during the excavations, proved that the ashes of Lord Buddha were buried in the place and made this place a very significant destination for all Buddhist pilgrims.

Mahaparinirvana Temple

The Mahaparinirvana Temple has a very attractive statue of reclining Buddha with its length of more than 6 meters, which was excavated in 1876. The statue, which has been carved from Chunar sandstone, is the representation of the dying Buddha, reclining on his right hand side.

Wat Thai Temple

Constructed to celebrate the forthcoming Golden Jubilee and the triumph of King Bhumibol, the unique Wat Thai Temple, which has innumerable trees planted here, is especially worth visiting.

Ramabhar Stupa

Situated at the altitude of 49 feet and at the distance of approx 1.5 kms from Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, which has been referred to as ‘Mukut-Bandhan Vihar’ in old Buddhist texts, represents the site where the cremation of Lord Buddha was performed.

Japanese Temple

This temple is home to a charming statue of the Buddha made of eight metals, which was brought here from Japan.

Others

Apart from these, Kushinagar is also home to the Meditation Park, the Chinese Temple, the Birla Temple and an international Buddha trust. These spots enhance charm for the excursion around this destination.

How to Reach (Accessibility)

Kushinagar is located at a distance of 53 kms east from Gorakhpur on the National Highway (NH-28).

By Air

Located at a distance of about 45 kms from Kushinagar, Gorakhpur airport is the closest airport. The nearest international airports are in Lucknow, Varanasi, Delhi and so on.

By Train

Situated at a distance of approx 51 kms from Kushinagar, Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station is the closest railway station.

By Road

Kushinagar is well-connected by roads to major cities such as Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi and so on. Buses and taxis can be hired to reach Kushinagar.