Kushinagar is a small town located in the eastern part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world as it is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana or the final liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The town is dotted with several ancient Buddhist monuments and temples that attract visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will provide you with all the important details about Kushinagar that you need to know before planning a visit.
History of Kushinagar:
Kushinagar has a rich history that dates back to the ancient era. It is believed that the town was once a part of the Malla kingdom, and Buddha visited the town several times during his lifetime. It was in Kushinagar that Buddha gave his final sermon and achieved Mahaparinirvana. The town was an important center of Buddhism for many centuries and attracted pilgrims from all over the world. However, it declined in importance after the decline of Buddhism in India.
Must-Visit Places in Kushinagar:
- Mahaparinirvana Temple: This temple is located at the site where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana or final enlightenment. The temple houses a beautiful reclining statue of Lord Buddha, which is around 6 meters long and made of red sandstone.
- Ramabhar Stupa: Also known as Mukutbandhan Chaitya, this is the site where Lord Buddha is believed to have been cremated. The stupa is 49 feet high and has a diameter of 47 feet. It is one of the most important Buddhist stupas in Kushinagar.
- Mathakaut Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and is believed to be the site where he delivered his last sermon. The temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
- Kushinagar Museum: This museum is located in the heart of Kushinagar and houses a large collection of ancient artifacts related to Buddhism. The museum is a great place to learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kushinagar.
- Sun Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is believed to have been built by King Harsha. The temple has beautiful architecture and is a great place to explore the ancient history and culture of Kushinagar.
Things to Do in Kushinagar:
Kushinagar is primarily a pilgrimage destination, and most of the activities here revolve around Buddhist sites and monuments. Some of the most popular things to do in Kushinagar are:
- Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple: This temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in India, and it enshrines a massive 6-meter-long statue of Buddha in his final resting position. It is believed that the temple is built on the same spot where Buddha achieved Mahaparinirvana.
- Explore the Ramabhar Stupa: This is a massive stupa that is believed to contain the ashes of Buddha. It is said that Buddha was cremated at this spot, and the stupa was built over his ashes.
- Visit the Mathakaut Temple: This temple is located about 12 kilometers from Kushinagar, and it is believed to be the spot where Buddha gave his last sermon.
- Explore the Kushinagar Museum: This museum contains a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures related to Buddhism and the ancient history of Kushinagar.
- Attend the Buddha Purnima Festival: This festival is celebrated every year in Kushinagar to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Accommodation in Kushinagar:
Kushinagar is a small town, but it has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are several budget hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in the town that offer basic amenities at affordable prices. There are also some mid-range hotels and resorts that offer more luxurious amenities and services.
Food in Kushinagar:
Kushinagar is known for its delicious vegetarian cuisine, which is a blend of North Indian and Buddhist culinary traditions. Some of the popular dishes in Kushinagar include dal makhani, chole bhature, aloo gobi, and baingan bharta. There are also a number of street food vendors in Kushinagar, selling local snacks such as chaat, samosas, and kachoris.
Best Time to Visit Kushinagar:
The best time to visit Kushinagar is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers in Kushinagar are scorching, and temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. Monsoons are also not a good time to visit as the town receives heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans.
How to Reach Kushinagar:
Kushinagar is well-connected to other parts of the country by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Gorakhpur, which is about 50 kilometers away from Kushinagar. The nearest railway station is in Gorakhpur, which is connected to major cities in India by regular trains. Kushinagar is also well-connected to other cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states by road.
Costs of Visiting Kushinagar:
The costs of visiting Kushinagar vary depending on the type of accommodation, transport, and sightseeing activities chosen by visitors. On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around INR 1,000-1,500 per day, while mid-range and luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of INR 3,000-5,000 per day. Entrance fees to temples and museums in Kushinagar are generally around INR 10-50 per person.
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