Kusinara

Kusinara, also known as Kushinagar, is an ancient city in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. It is traditionally identified as the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained parinirvana at the end of his life after a long illness. The site is a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims and scholars.

Location and identification: Kusinara is associated with the modern town of Kushinagar in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, in the Kushinagar district. The identification of Kusinara with this location is widely accepted in Buddhist tradition and scholarship, and it forms part of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites alongside Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.

Archaeology and monuments: The Kushinagar site preserves several important Buddhist monuments. The Ramabhar Stupa is traditionally viewed as the cremation site of the Buddha, while the Mahaparinirvana Temple houses a reclining Buddha statue dating to late antiquity. The complex includes ruins and monastic remains from various periods, and modern Buddhist centers operate in the area, reflecting ongoing religious and cultural activity.

Modern significance: Today, Kusinara is an important element of the northern Indian Buddhist heritage circuit. It attracts pilgrims, researchers, and tourists interested in Buddhist history and art. The town is connected by road and rail to other regional centers and hosts religious and cultural events related to its Buddhist legacy.