Parinirvana Temple Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh
Located a few kilometers from Gorakhpur, Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh in India on the banks of the Gandak River is the city of Stupas and temples. One of the ancient Indian cities its origins can be traced to the pre Buddha period and it is also believed that Lord Buddha attained his salvation here. One of the important Stupas in Kushinagar is the Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar.
About Parinirvana Temple Kushinagar :
The important Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar is the huge Stupa which was built ages back and dedicated to Lord Buddha. One of the huge Stupas in Kushinagar made of bricks was excavated by Carlyle in the year 1876. The Brahmi inscriptions on the walls of the Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar states that the cremated remains of Lord Buddha are deposited here. One of the huge copper vessels was also unearthed at this site. The remains of the Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar when excavated by the archaeologists was covered in a 40 foot high mound of bricks which was surrounded by a dense thorny forest.
Along with the Parinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar there is the Nirvana Temple. There is a 6 meters long statue of Buddha in this temple and considered to be one of the sacred sites for the Buddhists. Carved from Chunar sandstone, this is one of the unique images of Lord Buddha which shows him reclining on his right side. The inscriptions below reflect that the statue was built on 5th century A.D.
There is a number of interesting tourist places in Kushinagar which you can explore during your tour to Uttar Pradesh. One of the major destinations is also the Ramabhar Stupa. One of the sacred shrines of Buddhists this is the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparnirvana.
The Mathakaut Temple in Kushinagar also attracts tourists in Uttar Pradesh. The Watt Thai Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kushinagar. The Japanese temple is also one of the beautiful temples in Uttar Pradesh and the Chinese temple with Oriental design and décor will also attract the tourists.
History of Parinirvana Temple Kushinagar :
Kushinagar is one of the destinations for a pilgrimage tour. Many of the Buddhist followers come over to Kushinagar to see the city which has carefully preserved the ancient Buddhist relics. It is believed Lord Buddha attained salvation or Mahaparnirvana in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh in India. There are a number of Tourist attractions in Kushinagar which reminds you of the medieval period in Indian history.
Other Attractions of Kushinagar:
Excavation Sites : Kushinara is of paramount importance as far as the archeological excavations are concerned. A British officer called Carlleyle stated excavating the mound that was surrounded by dense vegetation. He found a small temple and a brick pedestal over here. Upon further digging, he found a five feet tall Buddha statue. Several bone remains and other burnt objects were also discovered in the temple premises. Later, the famous Parinirvana Stupa was found as a part of excavation work.
Nirvana Stupa : Built entirely with bricks, the stupa caries a height of about 2.7 meters. Another finding that has been made inside stupa is a vessel made of copper. According to an inscription on it, the pot contains the remains of Buddha.
Nirvana Temple : Here you will get to see a statue of Buddha that has a height of about 6 meters. This temple came into picture during the excavation done in 1876. Look for the inscription that has been carved below and mentions that it belongs to 5th century.
Ramabhar Stupa : Generally referred to as Mukt Bandhan, this stupa signifies the place where Buddha was cremated. At a distance of one kilometer from here, the stupa has a height of about 49 feet.
Mathakuar Shrine : This particular place lies at 400 yards away from the famous Parinirvana stupa. Look fir the black stone Buddha image here. It was at this place that he gave his last sermon here.
Japanese Temple : Another site worth visiting at Kushinagar is Japanese Temple that houses a lovely Buddha statue made of eight metals.
Chinese Temple : Don’t forget to visit this special attraction that contains Lord’s beautiful statue.
Kushinagar Museum : Apart from all theses attractions, another special place that is worth visiting is a museum that houses the archeological findings excavated from the site. You can pay a visit to the museum any time between 10.30 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening. More than 250 Buddhist relics have been placed here. You can have a glimpse of terracotta, bronze coins, seals, and sculptures in the premises.
Buddha Vihara : There are several Buddhist temples inside this Vihara. Most of the temples have exquisite Buddha statues. At Sardis Chitty, you can see more than 5000 statues in brass.
Wat Thai Temple : This beautiful temple in white is surrounded by lush greenery. The temple was constructed recently to immortalize the accession of the throne by the king named Bhumibol.
Birla Temple : At Kushinagar, you will come across a Shiva temple that has been constructed at the site where Buddha achieved nirvana. Inside the temple, a statue of the deity has been placed on a tiger cushion. Shiva is depicted to be in deep meditation. The temple authorities provide accommodation facilities here at economical rates.
Meditation Park : Spend some time at the Mediation Park that is adorned with artificial sources of water. Sitting in seclusion amidst lush greeneries, you will feel the Buddhist gloriole.
Location : Uttar Pradesh
Area : Six square kilometers.
Altitude : 400 meters from sea level
Population : As per census of 1991, it is 13860
Major Attraction : Temples, shrines and stupas
Languages : Hindi and English
