Buddhism is among the most followed religions in the world and originated in India. Siddhartha Gautama was the first person to reach enlightenment and is also the founder of Buddhism! At present, there are innumerable Buddhist temples around the world. However, did you know Parinirvana Stupa in Uttar Pradesh Kushinagar holds a special place? Well, it’s the resting place of Gautam Buddha!
Parinirvana Stupa: Gautam Buddha’s Place Of Resting
A Buddhist structure in Kushinagar called the Parinirvana Stupa or Mahaparinirvana is thought to be the final resting place of Buddhism’s founder, Gautama Buddha. Because he successfully demonstrated that Gautama Buddha had perished in the region, Alexander Cunningham receives the most attention for his work in the field.
In 1956, the Indian government constructed the current temple as part of celebrations marking the 2,500th year of the Mahaparinirvana, or 2500 BE (Buddhist Era). A picture of the Reclining Buddha may be found inside the temple, laying on its right side with its head pointing towards the north. The 6.1 m-long statue is seated on a slab of stone.
The Buddha ultimately arrived in Kushinagar after 45 years of missionary work. He was critically unwell, ordained his final pupil, said his final words to the sangha, and gained Parinirvana in 487 BCE.
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Mauryan Ruler Ashoka Erected Many Stupas!
According to legend, Mauryan ruler Ashoka travelled to Kushinagar in 260 BCE. Additionally, he erected many chaityas, or stupas, in remembrance of the Buddha’s nirvanic resting place. The Kushan empire saw a steady expansion of Buddhist sites in Kushinagar. However, the Gupta empire saw the Parinirvana Stupa greatly expanded. Moreover, the Parinirvana Temple was rebuilt, along with a massive reclining Buddha statue.
British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham discovered a large vaulted room with a reclining Buddha inside that he dates to no later than 637 AD. In March 1877, the adjacent stupa, the reclining Buddha statue, and the temple were unearthed and restored.
The Archaeological Survey of India completely rebuilt the statue after discovering it was broken and strewn into countless pieces. They also repaired and roofed the temple.
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Comment below and tell us if you have ever been to this stupa located in Kushinagar.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia