Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Kushinagar
Kushinagar, a small town located in Uttar Pradesh India, is of significant importance to the practitioners of Buddhism as it is assumed that this is where Lord Buddha achieved his Mahaparinirvana. Besides, an idol of Lord Buddha’s statue is found as well. The region has a character and historical value and is visited by people from all corners of the globe who desire to experience different times and spaces. Thus, as a traveler, here are the top 10 places you should visit if you are in Kushinagar: some frequently asked questions have been answered to help assist you.
Mahaparinirvana Temple
Mahaparinirvana Temple is one of the most important temples in Kushinagar, as it is the town’s main temple. Inside the temple, a 6.1-metre-long statue of Buddha depicted as lying in rest is situated here. The place has a healing touch and greenery all around, making it a great place to do yoga.
The structure of the temple is arranged in a comprehensive way that endears the patrons to seek deeper comprehension.
Parinirvana Stupa
On a pilgrimage visit to the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Parinirvana Stupa stands as another attraction site. This shrine is said to be the last place where the great sage Buddha was believed to have passed on. With several trees surrounding the stupas, this site is well-suited for reflection. A large number of the adherents of the Buddhist
religion visit this site during their pilgrimage making it one of the key sites of attraction.
Ramabhar Stupa
Mukutbandhan Chaitya or Ramabhar Stupa marks a significant building devotion to the area in which Buddha’s cremation was carried out. This 15-meter-high stupa stands at an equally picturesque location and appears to be very tall. Its characteristics and serene setting bring even the dazed and the most devout persons in history to the place.
Wat Thai Temple
The temple is located in Wat Thai and has a mixture of both Indian and Thai architecture. To honor Lord Buddha, the temple was built and has some beautifully done gardens around the temple. The superb carvings, bright paintings, and decor are a delight while the surrounding helps in practicing meditation and other forms of spirituality.
Japanese Temple
The temple which originates from Japan, or, otherwise called Nippon temple, is also another fine piece of architecture in Kushinagar. This temple is also constructed in true Japanese style and houses a splendid statue of Lord Buddha with a golden finish. The Stupa built is rather simple, due to the basic tenets of Japanese Zen Buddhism, but can serve its primary function whereby the people who come in to worship are provided with an uncluttered area where they can sit and be at peace.
Buddha Museum
Numerous Buddhist relics, objects, and scriptures are displayed in the Buddha Museum. Contained, with brilliant exhibits, is the history and increased prominence of Buddhism across the world. The ancient coins, sculptures, and paintings offered by the museum depict in detail the life and philosophy of Lord Buddha.
Meditation Park
Meditation Park is where visitors can go for a quiet time away from rush-turbulence. The park lies parallel to greenery and has designated walking paths and meditation spaces. It is perfect to be in a tranquil and natural environment whilst having the opportunity to reflect on the words that Lord Buddha shared.
Chinese Temple
This temple, referred to as the Chinese Temple, is said to be one of the richest with traditional Chinese temple architecture, murals, and Buddhist emblems. It bears testimony to the cultural links between India and China as well as the international spread of Buddhism. The temple also allows the visitors to enjoy the elaborate intricate design and formation of the temple walls and to participate in prayer activities.
Kushinagar International Buddha Trust (KIBT) Temple
The KIBT Temple forms part of the recent buildings, which has the religious perception of Kushinagar. The interior and designs of the temple, which are attractive, harmonize with the tranquility of the region and provide it as a good site for Buddhism and other cultural activities. This is a nice place for people who believe in the present techniques of Buddhism.
Matha Kuar Shrine
The Matha Kuar Shrine is of particular interest because it holds an extremely large statue of Lord Buddha made of lac and is said to belong to the tenth century. The statue was made out of a single block of stone, which has been worked to form a sitting image of Buddha. The shrine also gives more details about the above aspects and the cultural and historical heritage of India and the ancient period.
Conclusion
Kushinagar is not only a perfect combination of historical, spiritual, and cultural interactions but also the only place that has stupas to modern temples built in one cavity depicting one theme and that is the teachings and legacy of Lord Buddha. So, if you are a history lover, a pilgrim, or simply a person who wants to get away for a while, Kushinagar has a lot to offer to all people and is certainly worth a visit.
FAQs On Kushinagar
Kushinagar is the location where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana which makes it a center of great pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The town is home to various ancient and holy relics that date back to the final days of Buddha’s life and are popular attractions for millions of devotees and tourists around the globe.
The best time to visit Kushinagar is from October to March because it enables mobility and outdoor activities for tourists. The cool temperature augments the joy of temple visits and meditation in parks.
Kushinagar can be approached via road, rail, or air and Kushinagar Airport is the nearest airport approximately 5 kilometers away from the town. Gorakhpur which is well connected to buses and taxis makes traveling to Kushinagar more convenient.
Yes, there are plenty of accommodations in Kushinagar such as a budget hotel, guest house, mid-range hotel, and so on, and they cater to guests visiting for different occasions.
In general, it is possible to take photographs at the majority of the stupas and temples in Kushinagar, however, certain places have restrictions. Kushinagar does have a few regulations about picture taking. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to seek notices and inquire officials about rules concerning the brief before clicking away.