Parinirvana Stupa is a Buddhist temple in Kushinagar, India which said to be death place of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Alexander Cunningham gains the most attention for his work in the area because he conclusively proved that Gautama Buddha had died in the area. The present temple was built by the Indian Government in 1956 as part of the commemoration of the 2,500th year of the Mahaparinivana or 2500 BE. Inside this temple, there is Reclinging Buddha image lying on its right side with the head to the north.
Shrine’s History
After 45 years of missionary activities Buddha, severely stricken with illness finally reached to Kushinagar, where he ordained his last disciple and uttered his last words to sangha and attained Parinirvana in 487 BCE. Maurya king Ashoka reportedly visited Kushinagar in 260 BCE where he built several caityas, stupas to honour the Buddha’s place of Nirvana. Kushinagar Buddhist sites was steadily expanded during Kushan empire, while Kushinagar witnessed golden age during Gupta empire when Parinirvana stupa was largely expanded and Parinirvana Temple was reconstructed along with huge reclining Buddha statue
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest Bus stop is Kushinagar.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Gorakhpur railway station.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Gorakhpur Airport