Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
The author reflects on a scenic journey to Kushinagar, a significant Buddhist place where Lord Buddha passed away. The narrative captures the serene surroundings, rich history, and deep cultural connections to Buddha. Kushinagar is a vibrant destination attracting tourists and devotees, showcasing India’s diverse heritage and spirituality.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The author reflects on a journey to Kushinagar, an important Buddhist place where Lord Buddha passed away.
- Kushinagar features serene landscapes, rich history, and various Buddhist temples, attracting tourists and devotees.
- Historical significance includes Buddha’s last days, his cremation, and the location’s connection to the Malla kingdom.
- The main attractions are the Nirvana Temple with a reclining Buddha statue and the Rambhar Stupa.
- Kushinagar offers modern amenities, diverse temples, and is a vibrant representation of India’s cultural heritage.
Mesmerising Morning
It was a pleasant misty morning. The rising large crimson heliacal ball looked stunningly beautiful hanging on the vast cerulean sky. Occasional chirps of birds add musical notes. Rustic people had started their day; working in fields and feeding their cattle. Air, laden with peculiar rustic fragrance, was refreshing.
The Journey
The car was gliding on a broad, black road flanked by shady trees with dense canopies. Sitting in the driving seat and steering the car, I was thoroughly enjoying the ride. The rustic surroundings and vast campestral dotted with trees lift the spirit. Working folks and the fresh air contribute to positivity. A salubrious environment fills optimism. The weather was markedly cold but pleasantly cosy with the warmth of the sun. It was National Highway No. 27, the second-longest highway in India, that culminates in Silcher. I started my journey from the capital city, Lucknow and was heading for Kushinagar. It is the last district on the eastern border of Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Holy Place Of Buddha
(1) An Important Place
Kushinagar is a significant Buddhist place. It used to be a subdivision of the district Deoria. It is a small but important district with an international airport and many beautiful Buddhist temples. The place is serene and soul-soothing, where Lord Buddha often visited and took his last breath. His last rites performed on the bank of the river Hiranyavati.
(2) Topography
Kushinagar is a part of a vast Indo-Gangetic fertile plane, which sustains a variety of flora and fauna. The fertile alluvial plain was covered with thick forests during Buddha’s time. Patches of forests still exist. The important one is the Kusmhi forest of the neighbouring Gorakhpur district. Famous for Gorakhnath Muth temple, the city is an important district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This is an important seat of the Nath sect.
(3) Brief History
Nestled in green surroundings, Kushinagar, being an important Buddhist place, beckons tourists and devotees from all over the world. The drive is smooth and very enjoyable. Starting from Lucknow, the journey passes from Barabanki, Ayodhya, Basti and Gorakhpur to Kushinagar.
Kushinagar has been an important city in ancient times. In the pre-Buddha period, it was known as Kushawati, while in Buddha period, it was known as Kushinara. It was the capital city of Malla, one of the sixteen “Mahajanpad” of the 6th Century BC. Besides, the city has also been affiliated with Kusha, one of the two sons of Lord Ram. Some opine that Kushawati draws its name from the abundant Kush grass (Desmostachya bipinnata). Modern Kushinagar is 325 kilometres away from Lucknow, the capital city of U.P.
(4) Last Days of Buddha
Lord Buddha rested here in a jungle. He took his last meal offered by Chunda Kammaraputta while he was coming to Kushinagar. A little later, after consuming the offered meal, Buddha suffered from dysentery, which ultimately took his life.
Before reaching Kushinagar, Lord Buddha told his disciple to go and tell to Malla about his arrival.
“Go now, Ananda, and enter into Kushinagar, and inform the Malla of Kushinagar, saying ‘This day, O Vasishthas, in the last watch of the night, the final passing away of the Tathagat will take place. Be favourable, herein, O Vasishthas, be favourable. Give no occasion to reproach yourself hereafter, saying, “In our own village did the death of our Tathagat take place, and we took not the opportunity of visiting the Tathagat in his last hours.” (Taken from a booklet “Kushinagara” by Archaeological Survey of India Page – 4)
(5) Last Rites
Followers of Lord Buddha performed his last rites according to his wishes. He was cremated on the banks of the river Hiranyavati at “Mukt Bandhan.” His ashes were distributed among eight kingdoms. These kingdoms erected a “Stupa” on it. Mallas constructed the Rambhar Stupa, which was later resurrected by King Ashoka. Readers may also like to visit a piece on Ashoka by clicking HERE
Main Shrine
The main site is “Nirvana Temple”. A huge statue of the reclining Buddha is consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The monolithic statue depicts Buddha in a tranquil state and is placed on a raised platform of bricks. On the same plinth, there is a “Stupa”. It is now covered by a recently constructed, elegant dome. This dome harmonises and complements the main temple. Around the temple, there are ruins and remains of structures which would have been monasteries for monks.
Rambhar Stupa
Located less than two kilometers from the main shrine is the famous Rambhar Stupa, mentioned earlier.
Modern Constructions And Temples
Many newly constructed Buddhist temples are attractive and lure people. The temples include the Sun Temple, Indo-Japanese and Sri Lankan Temple, Chinese Temple, Thai Temple, et cetera. The Kushinagar Museum was opened in 1992-93. It is a must-visit place for history buffs and those interested in history. It exhibits many artefacts found during the excavation of the site.
Approach
An important Buddhist place, tourist and pilgrimage centre, Kushinagar is well connected by road, rail and airways. The excellent roads make the journey enjoyable. The road passes through verdurous and picturesque areas.
(1) Stay
There are several wide-ranging hotels. A government-owned hotel, operated by U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC), is located near the main shrine. It offers a decent stay at moderate rates. (Uttar Pradesh Tourism)
Land of Varied Culture
India is a land of varied traditions and customs that form a colourful cultural tapestry. Kushinagar is one of the gems, a place which is fortunate because Lord Buddha roamed and died here. It is a place which gives a glimpse of the past. People of yore, terrain, and history came together. They gave modern, dusty, and sleepy Kushinagar a vibrant and mystical hue and aroma. The positive vibrations are obvious as one approaches the main shrine. The sweet aroma of incense sticks adds a layer of divinity and devotion mix.
Identifying and tagging the most favourable place in India is not only difficult but is almost impossible. Each place has a unique blend of history, divinity, devotion, antiquity and charm. Across the country, there are places of natural beauty. Mother Nature has gifted these places with nascent beauty, untouched and pure. On the same breath, places that have the spoor of great personalities are special gifts to India. It is the birthplace of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and Lord Mahavira. On the other hand, it is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. A myriad of cultures and customs have blended. They form a united but diversified nation, the world knows as Bharat or India.
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