Kushinagar
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Overview
Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is where the Buddha died (mahaparinirvana). The stupa is the symbol of this event.
The Mahaparinirvana Temple holds a large reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar stupa marks the cremation site.
It was the capital of the Malla clan, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas.
Kushinagar International Airport opened in 2021 to support Buddhist pilgrimage circuits.
It is in Kushinagar district of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The four main Buddhist pilgrimage places are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar.
The site was identified in the 19th century by Alexander Cunningham's survey work.
Many countries have built temples here.
Geography and key facts
- Uttar Pradesh
- Mahaparinirvana
- Symbol: stupa
- Reclining Buddha
- Ramabhar stupa
- Malla capital
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on the four Buddhist places.
Note for UPSC
UP; Mahaparinirvana.
Expect questions linking sites with events in the Buddha's life and later Buddhist history.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Kushinagar yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Buddhist site
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 26.741°N, 83.888°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.