Kushinagar is a city and a municipal board in Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the eight holy places (Ashtapada) of Buddhism. The city is located on the banks of the Kushi (Kosi) River, about 52 km (32 mi) from Gorakhpur.
Kushinagar is a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. The city is home to the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which marks the spot where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (the final nirvana). The temple complex also includes a museum, a library, and a meditation hall.
In addition to its religious significance, Kushinagar is also a major tourist destination. The city is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Ashoka Pillar, the Rambhar Stupa, and the Kushinagar Museum.
Kushinagar is well-connected by road and rail to major cities in India. The nearest airport is the Gautam Buddha Airport in Gorakhpur.
History
Kushinagar is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is the place where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, or final nirvana. The city was originally known as Kushavati, and it was the capital of the Malla Kingdom.
After the Buddha’s death, Kushinagar became a major center of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage. The city was visited by many Buddhist monks and scholars, including Asoka the Great. Asoka built a number of stupas and monasteries in Kushinagar, and he also erected a pillar to commemorate the Buddha’s death.
Kushinagar continued to be an important Buddhist center until the 12th century, when it was sacked by Muslim invaders. The city was largely abandoned after this, and it was not until the 19th century that it was rediscovered by European archaeologists.
Geography
Kushinagar is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city is situated on the banks of the Kushi River, which is a tributary of the Ganges River. Kushinagar is about 52 km (32 mi) from Gorakhpur, the nearest major city.
The climate of Kushinagar is tropical monsoon. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild. The best time to visit Kushinagar is during the winter months, from November to February.
Economy
The economy of Kushinagar is based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries. The main crops grown in the area are rice, wheat, sugarcane, and maize. Tourism is a major source of income for the city, and there are a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists. Small-scale industries in Kushinagar include the production of textiles, leather goods, and handicrafts.
Demographics
The population of Kushinagar is about 150,000. The majority of the population is Hindu, followed by Muslims and Buddhists. The official language of Kushinagar is Hindi, but the local language is Awadhi.
Transportation
Kushinagar is well-connected by road and rail to major cities in India. The nearest airport is the Gautam Buddha Airport in Gorakhpur.
By road: Kushinagar is connected to Gorakhpur by National Highway 27. The city is also connected to other major cities in India, such as Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
By rail: Kushinagar is connected to Gorakhpur by the Gorakhpur-Kushinagar railway line. The city is also connected to other major cities in India, such as Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.
Tourist attractions
Kushinagar is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, the Rambhar Stupa, and the Kushinagar Museum.
The Mahaparinirvana Temple is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kushinagar. The temple marks the spot where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. The temple complex also includes a museum, a library, and a meditation hall.
The Ashoka Pillar is a 13.4-meter-tall pillar that was erected by Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE. The pillar is inscribed with a decree by Ashoka, in which he praises the Buddha and his teachings.
The Rambhar Stupa is a Buddhist stupa that is located about 2 km (1.2 mi) from Kushinagar. The stupa is said to mark the spot where the Buddha’s body was cremated.
The Kushinagar Museum is a museum that is located in Kushinagar. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Buddhist period, including sculptures, coins, and inscriptions.