The Mahaparinirvana Temple houses the famous reclining Buddha image recovered during archaeological excavations. The District Kushinagar website records the image as 6.1 metres long and describes the excavation history of the shrine and stupa complex.
The image is carved from a single block of sandstone and rests on its right side. The setting is important to pilgrims and also provides an opportunity to understand how archaeological conservation and living religious practice meet at Kushinagar.
Opening arrangements can change. Check current local or official information before travelling, and follow photography, footwear, silence and visitor-flow instructions at the temple.
Sources & further reading
- District Kushinagar – About District ↗ (Government)
- District Kushinagar – Mahaparinirvana Stupa ↗ (Government)
- District Kushinagar – Places of Interest ↗ (Government)
Editorial note: This is an original summary written for KushinagarOnline. It does not reproduce modern copyrighted scripture translations.