kushinagar

Regarded probably as one of the most sacred shrines of the Buddhists across the world, Mahaparinirvana Temple is located in Kushinagar in UP. It houses the 6.10 mts long idol of Lord Buddha lying in a position when he left his mortal remains at the age of 80 and achieved the supreme state of salvation or permanent bliss. The monolithic statue of Buddha is built out of a single piece of red sandstone of Chunar. It shows him reclining on his right side with his face facing the west. It was considered the right posture for Mahaparinirvana. The statue is built upon a large brick platform supported by stone pillars in its corners. The temple attracts huge crowds of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.
 

Also called the Buddha Museum because it predominantly has on display exhibits related to the life and times of the Buddha, Kushinagar Museum was built in 1992-1993 in Kushinagar. The city was not only consecrated by the visits and sermons of the Buddha, but it was here that he left his mortal body and achieved the Mahaparinirvan. Kushinagar museum is situated approximately one kilometre in the south east of the city bus stand, about half a kilometre from the Mahaparinirvana Temple and 3 kms from Kasia Bus Stand. Its central location makes it easily accessible to the pilgrims and tourists. The museum houses an invaluable wealth of archaeological exhibits related to the rich history and culture of Kushinagar and the surrounding region. The principal attraction of the museum is the idol of Lord Buddha sitting in meditation posture. It has been built according to the principles of the Gandhara School of Art.
 

Also called Mukutbandhan-Chaitya or Mukta Bandhan Vihar in ancient Buddhist scriptures, Ranbhar Stupa is located approximately 1.5 kms in the southeast of the Nirvana Temple. The site where the stupa stands is a highly venerated destination for the Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. It is believed that Buddha was cremated exactly at this spot after his death in 483 BC. According to Buddhist texts the stupa was constructed by the Malla Kings who ruled over Kushinaagar during the lifetime of the Buddha. The design of its structure testifies to its ancient historic character. It is situated on the agricultural land having rice, sugarcane and wheat fields. There is also a pond like water body close to it.
 

The Sun Temple is situated on Kasia Tamkuhi road at a place called Turkpatti, approximately 17 kms from Kushinagar. Its existence dates back to ancient times and is mentioned in Puranas such as Sikand Purana and Markanday Purana. It is believed that the excavations carried out in the 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th century found two statues of the sun god which are currently lodged in the Sun Temple. The statues are made of black stone called Neelmani stone by the residents of the area. The temple was built during the reign of Gupta Dynasty. The old temple discovered during the excavations carried out by General A. Cunningham, the first Archaeological Surveyor of India, in 1876 was renovated and was opened to public on 30th of July 1981. It attracts huge crowds of devotees on the 6th day of Kartik and 13th day of Falgun months and also during the festival of Janamashtami.