About Mahaparinirvana Temple, Kushinagar

Kushinagar is where Siddhartha Gautama — the Buddha — attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana, death-liberation) circa 483 BCE. The Mahaparinirvana Temple enshrines the famous reclining Buddha statue (6.1 m, 5th century CE), showing the Buddha lying on his right side in his final moments. The complex is surrounded by pilgrims from across Asia, particularly from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan and Korea, many performing prostrations. The Ramabhar Stupa marks the site of the Buddha's cremation. Kushinagar is one of the four most sacred sites in Buddhism.

Excavated by Alexander Cunningham for the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1860s, which identified the site as the ancient Kushinara. Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar here in the 3rd century BCE. The reclining Buddha statue and the Mahaparinirvana Temple were restored in the early 20th century.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Shared autos and taxis from Gorakhpur. Temple is 1 km from Kushinagar bus stand.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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