Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a sacred pilgrimage site. It is the place where Lord Buddha acquired Parinirvana (enlightenment) and died. The main attraction is the Mahaparinirvana Temple housing a recumbent Buddha statue. Ramabhar Stupa is the final resting place of Lord Buddha.
The Mathakaut Temple, Japanese Temple, and Matha Kuar Shrine are some of these that reflect reverence for Buddhism worldwide. The Kushinagar Museum displays ancient remains, while Wat Thai Temple showcases Thai dedication to Buddha. In the locality’s religious diversity, the Surya Mandir, a Hindu temple stands. KushiNagar, a Spiritual Journey & Culture.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through the
famous places to visit in Kushinagar, giving you a glimpse into the spiritual
(famous temple in Uttar Pradesh) and historical wonders that await you.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit:Matha Kuar Shrine, Japanese Meditation Park, Parinirvana Stupa, Ramabhar Stupa, Japanese Temple, etc.
- Things to Do: Explore the historical heritage and visit temples and museums.
- How to Reach: Via air, rail and road.
If you’re looking for peace and spirituality, you can visit all the places in Kushinagar through our great Uttar Pradesh Tour Packages deal!
Here are some popular places to visit in Kushinagar:
- Matha Kuar Shrine
- Japanese Meditation Park
- Parinirvana Stupa
- Ramabhar Stupa
- Japanese Temple
- Kushinagar Museum
- Wat Thai Temple
- Tibetan Buddhist Temple
- Myanmar Stupa & Temple
- Vietnamese Temple
- Birla Shiva Temple
If you are planning to visit Kushinagar? Here, we have compiled a list of top 11 places to visit in Kushinagar & things to do in Kushinagar that should be on your wishlist!
1.) Matha Kuar Shrine
The peaceful village of Kushinagar, lying on the banks of the Gandak River in Uttar Pradesh in India, is one such serene place where Stupas and other monuments are the only claim to its fame! From centuries old Stupas and monuments to significant Buddhist relics, Kushinagar has developed into a key tourist attraction, drawing in visitors from far and wide. Another one of the important places to visit in Kushinagar is the Matha Kuar Shrine, Kushinagar.
The Mathakuar Shrine, Kushinagar has also an important shrine for the Buddhist followers which attracts tourists from various corners of the world for its historical associations. The visitors get to observe a large 6 metres statue of Lord Buddha carved out of The statue depicted Budda sitting in BhumiSparsha Mudra of Buddha, which symbolizes the last few moments of his life prior to his attaining salvation. Travellers see this as one of the most important monuments of Kushinagar.
2.) Japanese Meditation Park
Meditation Park at the base of the Nirvana temple is the perfect place to practise yoga, meditation, or sit quietly in a nicely maintained garden. Here you can also witness maroon-robed Buddhist monks chanting and meditating.
Meditation park, Kushinagar is a place where you can get in touch with self, away from all the noise. Nestled in between tall Sal trees and flowering plants, the serene ambiance at Kushinagar’s meditation park is situated just a walking distance
Also called Japanese meditation park, it was built in 1992-1993 in the partnership of India & Japan. The magnificent Golden Burmese Pagoda is situated in front of the meditation garden.
3.) Parinirvana Stupa
Parinirvana temple is also referred to as Mahaparinirvana temple or Nirvana temple, this is where Gautam Buddha attained Parinirvana (which means achieving Nirvana before his death). This is why Kushanagara is the most sacred of all Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Mahaparinirvana , the ultimate deliverance is also written as Mahaparinibbana.A grand statue of reclining Buddha resides in Parinirvana Stupa. Opening time of Parinirvana Stupa (Kushinagar) — 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
4.) Ramabhar Stupa
Ramabhar Stupa or Makutabandhana Chaitya is one of the famous places to visit in Kushinagar, located very close to the Buddha Ghat. A major Buddhist Pilgrimage site, what makes Ramabhar Stupa significant is the fact that it is the place where Bhagwan Buddha was cremated.It is one of the most important stupas in Kushinagar, and it is believed to be the Also known as Mukta Bandhan Vihara or Mukut bandhan Chaitya, Ramabhar Stupa is one of the most holy places of Buddhist pilgrimage in the entire world. Ramabhar Stupa at Kushinagar is open for visiting tourists from 6 am to 6 pm.
5.) Japanese Temple
The Japanese Temple at Kushinagar is another place to visit in Kushinagar. Vaishali, Bodhgaya and Nalanda in Bihar, like most other Buddhist places, have temples from various SE nations. Japan is one of them. This is one of the best Kushinagar tourism spots.
These websites highlight the worldwide importance of Kushinagar as a pilgrimage centre. The Japanese Temple is architecturally exquisite.
6.) Kushinagar Museum
One of the top places to visit in Kushinagar near the Tibetan temple is the Buddhist Museum or Kushinagar museum, one of the best in the country. The various exhibits at Archaeological Museum gives the visitors an idea of the life and times of Buddha Bhagwan. This museum exhibits various artifacts, relics related to Buddhism, giving the visitor an insight into the History of the region. Buddha Museum The spiritual energy of the garden engulfs the visitors as soon as he enters it. The Kushinagar Museum is open from 10: Monday to Friday 7am to 430pm — Closed Mondays.
7.) Wat Thai Temple
Wat Thai Kusinara Buddhist Temple and Monastery is one of the top places to visit in Kushinagar. Thai architecture, a beautiful statue of Bhagawa Buddha, and beautiful gardens are some of the main attractions of this Thai monastery.
Flowers are in abundance here, in winter. A gorgeous Thai-style temple, it’s a symbol of Thailand’s reverence for Buddha and a place to pray and sit in meditation.
8.) Tibetan Buddhist Temple
This secret spot is not very well known in Kushinagar. Tibetan Buddhist temple of Kushinagar is an offbeat destination to visit. This small village is a must visit due to its gorgeous monastery and a magnificent idol of Gautama Buddha. A photo of His Holiness Dalai Lama is hung beside the gold-plated statue of Buddha.
There is a lovely well-kept garden, a Stupa and living quarters in the Kushinagar Tibetan Buddhist Temple campus. If your timing is spot on, you’ll see hundreds of butter lamps alight here. Free Place to Visit Kushinagara.
9.) Myanmar Stupa & Temple
Also called Samridhi Chaitya Stupa, it was built by Kushinagar Bhikshu Sangh. This immense golden stupa of Kushinagar was built in the time period of 1997-2005.
The 33 metres (108 feet) high Pagoda, shining bright in the winter’s morning sun. Remarkably, the Burmese Pagoda also measures the exact same width!
10.) Vietnamese Temple
Also known as Linh-Son Vietnam Chinese Temple, it is a place to visit in Kushinagar. It’s a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture here. This temple is administered by the Linh Son Buddhists from Vietnam. This temple is one of the first ones that we visited when we began our free walking tour in Kushinagar.
Among the most notable in the Vietnamese temple are a Vihara, Dharma Hall, meditation hall and a school. Includes reproductions of the most revered Buddhist sites. The two-storied temple is pretty grand.
11.) Birla Shiva Temple
A holy day for Shiv bhakts. This temple was unusual in its architecture, but what was most interesting to me was the Garbhagriha.
Most Shiva temples around the world possess a revered Shivling to which Hindu worshippers offer prayers. But in Kushinagar's Birla temple, we witnessed a marvellous idol of Shiv Bhagwan made up of marble.
He is in Dhyana Mudra, seated erect on a tiger skin. This position is the meeting of Jeevatma, the soul of human, with Parmatma, the divine. It is rare to have idols of Shiva in the primary garbhagriha. Still though, the complex’s front entrance was adorned by another very small temple itself. Devotees offered milk and flowers and started their day with positivity and good energy which a Hindu temple provides. It is open from 6 am to 8 pm and entry is absolutely free here.
Conclusion
Do also indulge in exploring the local culture and cuisine while in Kushinagar, for a wholesome holiday experience. You’ll surely love the atmosphere around this holy place. This place needs to be in your travel guide.
