A small
dusty town in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar is the place where
Lord Gautam Buddha breathed his last. The religious significance of Kushinagar
can be perceived by the fact that a large number of followers visit this place
everyday. This is also the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and
said, /"All things must pass. Decay is inherent in all things".
Kushinagar was an important centre under Mauryan King Ashoka, a great Buddhist
follower. Most of the religious structures here were constructed between 3rd century
BC and 5th century AD. For a long time Kushinagar remained lost in the jungles
and was unknown to the world till 19th century when the British rediscovered it
in 1880. Extensive excavations have indicated the presence of a large number monks
here as late as 11th century AD. A majority of tourists come to Kushinagar during
Buddha Purnima to celebrate the birthday of Lord Buddha.
The place has
a tropical climate with extreme temperatures during summers and winters. Winter
days are pleasant with dry weather and clear sky.
One of the four major
centres of Buddhism along with Lumbini, Bodhgaya and Sarnath, there are many places
of religious importance in Kushinagar. Rambhar Stupa is the most important landmark
of Kushinagar. The stupa is said to have been built on the same spot where Lord
Buddha was cremated in 483 BC. Mahaparinirvana Temple is another important attraction
in Kushinagar with a huge statue of Lord Buddha in reclining position. Mathakuar
Shrine is the place where Lord Buddha had given his last sermon. There are many
modern temples, stupas, and shrines in Kushinagar built by various Buddhist countries.
A museum here houses objects found during the excavation of Kushinagar.
Entire Eastern India and some neighbouring places in Nepal are full of places
closely associated with life and times of Lord Buddha. The region has a history
dating back to several centuries before Christ. Many of the dynasties of this
region gave patronage to Buddhism.
Gorakhpur is a major railway junction
and the best place from where you can visit the Buddhist pilgrimage centres like
Kushinagar, Kapilavastu, and Lumbini.
Kapilavastu was the capital of Shakya
Clan, of which Gautam Buddha was a prince.
Lumbini is the place where Lord
Buddha was born and named Siddhartha
