Places to visit in the city Kushinagar
NIRVANA TEMPLE - Kushinagar The Nirvana temple though a single-room structure is
a major attraction in Kushinagar. The temple has been
raised on a platform and topped by a superstructure confirming
to the traditional style of architecture followed by Buddhism.
A world famous 6-m-long statue of reclining Buddha lies
here. The statue, carved out of sandstone, was discovered
by a British archaeologist in 1876 during an excavation.
There is a small stone railing that surrounds the statue
and shows devotees mourning the death of Lord Buddha.
The statue of Buddha dates back to 5th century AD according
to an inscription that was found in Kushinagar. The statue
was brought from Mathura to Kushinagar by Haribala, a
Buddhist monk, during the period of Gupta Empire.
RAMABHAR STUPA - Kushinagar The Ramabhar Stupa or Mukutabandhana stupa is situated
at a distance of around one kilometre from Nirvana Temple.
This 14.9 metre high brick stupa is built on the same
spot where Lord Buddha was cremated in 483 BC. According
to the legend, the stupa was built by the Malla kings
who ruled the region when Buddha died.
NIRVANA STUPA - Kushinagar The stupa made of bricks was discovered by some British
archaeologists during an excavation carried out in 1876.
It is located behind the Nirvana Temple and subsequent
excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India led
to the discovery of a copper vessel containing the remains
of Lord Buddha. There is an inscription on the vessel
informing that the ashes of Lord Buddha had been interred
in this place. Apart from the copper vessel, cowries,
a gold chain, and precious stones were also unearthed
from this place.
MATHAKUAR SHRINE - Kushinagar The place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon
before his death. It is certainly one of the more interesting
sites in Kushinagar. The site is located near the Nirvana
Stupa and the excavations unearthed a black-stone statue
of Lord Buddha in the bhumi sparsha mudra (the pose of
Buddha where he touches the earth with his fingers).
CHINESE TEMPLE - Kushinagar The Chinese Temple is a colourful structure and houses
a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha that attracts a large
number of tourists. The temple has been reopened as International
Meditation Centre.
JAPANESE TEMPLE - Kushinagar A statue of Lord Buddha made of Ashta Dhatu (eight metals)
is installed in this temple. The statue has been brought
from Japan.
KUSHINAGAR MUSEUM - Kushinagar The Archaeological Museum or the Kushinagar Museum has
a good collection of objects excavated from various stupas
and monasteries in Kushinagar and places around it. The
museum is located not far away from the Indo-Japan-Sri
Lankan Buddhist Centre and you can see many artefacts
that include statues and carved panels displayed here.
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