|
|
LAND OF MAHAPARINIRVANA
Known earlier as Kushinara, now Kasaya, Kushinagar is one of the most
sacred sites for the Buddhists. It was here that Lord Buddha is said to
have attained 'Mahaparnirvana', the freedom from the endless cycle of
birth and rebirth at Kushinagar. At the time of the great event, kushinara
was an insignificant settlement, a part of the Malla Kingdom. 
Kushi Nagar is an archaeological site, significant for its close
proximity with the life of Lord Buddha. So far, at least ten monasteries
have been discovered. The Mukutabandhana Stupa, which was built to hold
the Buddha’s cremated remains is considered of great sanctity. There
is also a large reclining stone figure of the Buddha. The original image
was made in Mathura
and brought to Kushinagar by Haribala, a monk who lived in the time of
king Kumargupta (AD 413-455). Although, the original image was destroyed,
it was restored in the last century.
Religious Places
Nirvana Stupa: Standing at a height of 2.74m, the Nirwana Stupa is
is built of bricks. This huge stupa was excavated by Carlyl in 1876. A
copper vessel unearthed here bears an inscription in ancient brahmi
stating that Lord Buddha's remains had been deposited here.
Nirvana Temple:
This temple houses the 6m long statue of reclining Buddha, which was
unearthed in 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue has an
inscription below that dates the statue to the fifth century AD.
Mathakuar Shrine:
This shrine lies about 400 yards from the Parinirvana stupa. A black
stone image of the Buddha in the ‘bhumi sparsha mudra’ was
recovered here. The last sermon by Lord Buddha was given here.
Ramabhar Stupa:
Referred to as the Mukt Bandhan Vihar in ancient Buddhist texts, this
stupa marks the site where the Lord was cremated. About 1 km away, this
large stupa rises to a height of 49 ft. 
Chinese Temple:
Here the special attraction is a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha.
Japanese Temple:
On display here is the beautiful Ashta Dhatu (eight metals) statue of
Lord Buddha, which was brought from Japan.
Museums
Kushinagar Museum:
The Buddha Museum contains finds from excavations at the site. Timings:
10:30 am. to 4:30 pm, all days except Monday. Other places of interest
include Pawanagar (Fazilnagar) and the Sun Temple at Turkpatti.
Gorakhpur:
(51 kms) Rahul Sankratayan Museum at Gorakhpur has an excellent
collection of thanka paintings and relics of the Buddha. Water Sports
Complex at Ramgarhtal Planetarium and the Gorakhnath Temple in the city
are also well worth a visit.
Lumbini:
Situated in Nepal at a distance of 122 km from Gorakhpur, Lumbini is the
birthplace of Lord Buddha. Buses ply till the border, from where the
remaining 26 km has to be covered by private vehicles.
Kapilvastu:
The ancient city abounds in numerous stupas.
Air: There is no direct air connection.
Rail: From Delhi
, one has to reach Gorakhpur, by rail.
Road: Taxis and buses. Gorakhpur is a convenient base for visiting
Kapilvastu (110 km), Lumbini (108 km) and Shravasti (195 km).
Local Transport: Cycle rickshaws.
WHERE TO STAY
Kushinagar is one of the major spots that the Buddhist circuit covers,
one of the reson why, tourist won't find any problems in finding a good
accommodation option over here. Some of good accommodation options
include: Pathik Niwas (UPSTDC), Kushinagar.
PWD Inspection House.
LRP Inspection House.
Mumgadaw Arakanese Rest House.
Government of UP Tourist Bureau, Buddha Marg, Kushinagar.
Banks: Central Bank of India, Kabiya Road, Kushinagar; State Bank
of India, Kasia.
Post Office: Sub Post Office, Main Crossing, Kushinagar.
Hospitals: Community Health Centre, Deoria Road, Kasia; Govt.
Ayurvedic Hospital, Buddha Marg, Kushinagar.
Gorakpur: 51-km
Lumbini: 108-km
Kapilvastu: 110-km
Shravasti: 195-km
Area: 6.00 sq. km.
Population: 13860 (1991 census).
Altitude: 400 m above sea level.
Main Festival: Buddha Purnima.
Clothing:
Summer: Light Cotton.
Winter: Woollen.