Verified Sacred Cultural Heritage Record
Historical & Spiritual Significance
The site of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (final passing) and cremation around 483 BCE. The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a large reclining Buddha statue in the position of the final nirvana. Kushinagar is one of the four most sacred pilgrimage sites (Mahasthanas) of Buddhism alongside Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.
Current Activities & Pilgrimage
International pilgrimage site; monasteries from Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, and other countries; annual Buddha Mahotsav festival.