Kushinagar

Most of India's religious communities, including those who practise Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, converge on the holy city of Kushinagar. It is considered a holy spot since both Lord Mahavir and Lord Buddha gave talks there on several occasions. Many important buildings, including temples, stupas, and parks, are associated with the city's rich past.

Among Hindus, Lord Kuber has the position of God of Wealth. In spite of his status as a giver of riches, he was a devout follower of Shiva and constructed a shrine to the god, which came to be known as Kuber Asthan.

The holy city of Pawanagar, also known as Pawapuri, is revered as Lord Mahavira's final resting place. It is nestled approximately 22 kilometres east of Kushinagar, on National Highway 28. Many revered Buddhist and Jain figures have ties to this city. This is the site where Jain scriptures claim Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankar, attained Nirvana in 543 BC. In honour of this momentous occurrence, a shrine has been erected here.

68 million Indian rupees were spent on the construction of Meditation Park, also known as the Japanese Meditation Park, in 1992–1993. The park's name alludes to the fact that its primary purpose is to help visitors calm down and centre themselves via contemplation.

17 kilometres outside of Kushinagar, a town named Turkpatti on the Kasia-Tamkuhi road, is home to the revered Sun Temple. Neelmani stone, a black stone, was used to create the temple's figures. The temple's construction dates back to the Gupta era.

Kushinagar Museum was established in 1992–1993, and it is also known as the Buddha Museum due to the prevalence of displays relating to the historical Buddha. Buddha not only preached and visited this city, but he also attained Mahaparinirvana, the ultimate enlightenment, here.

Some of Kushinagar's more recent temple construction is the Chinese Temple, also known as the Lin Sun Chinese Temple. In addition to its intricate architecture, a tranquil atmosphere permeates through the temple.

The Matha Kuar Shrine, as it is known locally, is located around 400 yards from the Parinirvan Stupa and the Mahaparinirvana Temple and has a massive statue of the Buddha. It stands at a lofty 3.05 m and was hewn from a single piece of blue stone sourced from the Gaya area of Bihar.

The famous Ashta Dhatu or an eight-metal alloy idol of the Buddha installed in the temple actually came from Japan, and the Japanese shogunate provided the majority of the funds for the building's construction.

Disciples of the Buddha constructed Wat Thai Kushinara Chalermaraj Temple, also referred to as simply Wat Thai Temple, to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the golden jubilee of his ascension to the throne. The temple was designed to look like a forest monastery, therefore it is situated in a very lush area full of trees, bushes, and plants.

Located about 1.5 kilometres to the southeast of the Nirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa is also referred to as Mukutbandhan-Chaitya or Mukta-Bandhan Vihar in early Buddhist texts. Buddhists from all over the country visit the place where the stupa sits because it is so sacred. Its layout and architecture show that it is a historic building from a distant past.

The Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar is widely regarded as one of the holiest sites for Buddhists all over the globe. It's where you can see the 6.10 m tall statue of Buddha, depicting him in the position he was in after he departed his body at the age of 80 and entered nirvana, or the highest level of salvation and joy.

Located behind the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Nirvana Stupa is also known as the Nirvana Chaitya. The temple and stupa share the same platform; the latter is 2.74 metres tall while the former has a dome 15.81 metres high and is atop a circular foundation. General A. Cunningham, the first Archaeological Surveyor of India, uncovered the brick stupa in the same excavations that uncovered the temple in 1876.