(xii) Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, embarked on a spiritual journey that culminated in his enlightenment and the establishment of a profound philosophy. His life, marked by significant events such as birth in Lumbini, enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, and first sermon in Sarnath, reached its final earthly chapter with his Mahaparinirvana. This ultimate passing away from the cycle of rebirth is a pivotal event in Buddhist tradition, signifying his complete liberation. The site where this momentous event occurred holds immense religious and historical importance for Buddhists worldwide. Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana The site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana is Kushinagar (also spelled Kusinara) , located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This ancient city was a significant center during the time of the Malla kingdom. Significance of Kushinagar Final Demise: According to Buddhist scriptures, after 45 years of missionary activities, Buddha, severely ill, reached Kushinagar. Here, he delivered his final sermon, ordained his last disciple, Subhadda, and attained Mahaparinirvana around 483 BCE at the age of 80. Mahaparinirvana Temple: The most prominent structure at Kushinagar is the Mahaparinirvana Temple, built by the Indian Government in 1956 to commemorate the 2500th year of the Buddhist Era. It houses a 6.1-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, sculpted from red sandstone, depicting Buddha at the moment of his passing. The statue, originally discovered in 1876 by archaeologist Carlleyle, lies on its right side with its head to the north. Ramabhar Stupa: Located about 1.5 km east of the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa (also known as Mukut Bandhan-Chaitya) marks the spot where Lord Buddha was cremated. This stupa is a significant pilgrimage site, believed to contain some of Buddha's relics. Historical Context: Maurya King Ashoka is believed to have visited Kushinagar around 260 BCE and constructed several stupas and chaityas. The site flourished during the Kushan and Gupta empires, with significant expansions and reconstructions of the stupas and temples. Buddhist Circuit: Kushinagar is a crucial stop on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit, along with other sacred sites like Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath, attracting pilgrims and tourists globally. Associated Sites in Kushinagar Nirvana Stupa: Located behind the Mahaparinirvana Temple, this stupa is believed to enshrine some of Buddha's relics and was excavated and restored by General Cunningham. Matha Kuar Shrine: This shrine, situated southwest of the main temple, features a large statue of Buddha meditating under a Bodhi tree. Kushinagar stands as a profoundly sacred site in the Buddhist world, marking the ultimate liberation of Gautama Buddha through Mahaparinirvana. It is a place of deep spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims to reflect on the teachings and final moments of the Buddha. The archaeological remains, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa, serve as enduring testaments to a pivotal event in history, reminding humanity of the impermanence of existence and the path to ultimate peace and enlightenment. The continuous restoration and development of Kushinagar underscore its enduring importance in preserving Buddhist heritage.

What is the difference between Nirvana and Mahaparinirvana?

Nirvana generally refers to the attainment of enlightenment or liberation from suffering during one's lifetime, the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism. Mahaparinirvana specifically denotes the Buddha's final passing away from his mortal body, achieving complete and ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth after death.

Who discovered the Mahaparinirvana Temple and statue?

The Mahaparinirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha statue were extensively excavated and restored by the British archaeologist A.C.L. Carlleyle in 1876, although earlier accounts mention the presence of Buddhist structures.

Buddha's Mahaparinirvana Site Identification | UPSC Mains HISTORY-PAPER-I 2025

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Introduction

Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, embarked on a spiritual journey that culminated in his enlightenment and the establishment of a profound philosophy. His life, marked by significant events such as birth in Lumbini, enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, and first sermon in Sarnath, reached its final earthly chapter with his Mahaparinirvana. This ultimate passing away from the cycle of rebirth is a pivotal event in Buddhist tradition, signifying his complete liberation. The site where this momentous event occurred holds immense religious and historical importance for Buddhists worldwide.

Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana

The site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana is Kushinagar (also spelled Kusinara), located in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This ancient city was a significant center during the time of the Malla kingdom.

Significance of Kushinagar

Final Demise: According to Buddhist scriptures, after 45 years of missionary activities, Buddha, severely ill, reached Kushinagar. Here, he delivered his final sermon, ordained his last disciple, Subhadda, and attained Mahaparinirvana around 483 BCE at the age of 80.
Mahaparinirvana Temple: The most prominent structure at Kushinagar is the Mahaparinirvana Temple, built by the Indian Government in 1956 to commemorate the 2500th year of the Buddhist Era. It houses a 6.1-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, sculpted from red sandstone, depicting Buddha at the moment of his passing. The statue, originally discovered in 1876 by archaeologist Carlleyle, lies on its right side with its head to the north.
Ramabhar Stupa: Located about 1.5 km east of the Mahaparinirvana Temple, the Ramabhar Stupa (also known as Mukut Bandhan-Chaitya) marks the spot where Lord Buddha was cremated. This stupa is a significant pilgrimage site, believed to contain some of Buddha's relics.
Historical Context: Maurya King Ashoka is believed to have visited Kushinagar around 260 BCE and constructed several stupas and chaityas. The site flourished during the Kushan and Gupta empires, with significant expansions and reconstructions of the stupas and temples.
Buddhist Circuit: Kushinagar is a crucial stop on the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit, along with other sacred sites like Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath, attracting pilgrims and tourists globally.

Associated Sites in Kushinagar

Nirvana Stupa: Located behind the Mahaparinirvana Temple, this stupa is believed to enshrine some of Buddha's relics and was excavated and restored by General Cunningham.
Matha Kuar Shrine: This shrine, situated southwest of the main temple, features a large statue of Buddha meditating under a Bodhi tree.

Conclusion

Kushinagar stands as a profoundly sacred site in the Buddhist world, marking the ultimate liberation of Gautama Buddha through Mahaparinirvana. It is a place of deep spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims to reflect on the teachings and final moments of the Buddha. The archaeological remains, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa, serve as enduring testaments to a pivotal event in history, reminding humanity of the impermanence of existence and the path to ultimate peace and enlightenment. The continuous restoration and development of Kushinagar underscore its enduring importance in preserving Buddhist heritage.

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(xii) Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana

Model Answer

Introduction

Site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana

Significance of Kushinagar

Associated Sites in Kushinagar

Conclusion

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