Kushinagar

Kushinagar is where the Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana — his final passing beyond all suffering. The Mahaparinirvana Temple contains a large reclining statue of the Buddha depicting his passing, and is considered one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites along with Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Lumbini. The Ramabhar Stupa marks the site of the cremation. The atmosphere of Kushinagar is remarkably peaceful and contemplative. For Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, visiting this site is an opportunity to reflect deeply on impermanence, on the Buddha’s compassionate life, and on the certainty of death and the preciousness of the dharma teachings left behind.