The reclining Buddha statue is carved from a single block of Chunar sandstone.
An inscription on the statue pedestal dating back to the Gupta period identifies the donor as Haribala, a monk.
The base of the stupa is approximately 2.74 meters high and features a circular platform.
The site was lost to history for centuries before being identified as Kushinagar based on the accounts of Chinese pilgrims Xuanzang and Faxian.
Archaeologists recovered a copper vessel at the site containing coins and a seal mentioning the Parinirvana monastery.
The statue’s expression is intended to reflect the serene state of detachment associated with the end of the cycle of rebirth.
The Parinirvana Stupa in Kushinagar is the site where Gautama Buddha is traditionally believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. The central structure contains a 6.1-meter-long red sandstone statue of the reclining Buddha, dated to the 5th century AD. Excavated by Carlleyle in 1876, the site features a cylindrical drum supported on a square plinth. The statue was discovered in pieces and subsequently restored, depicting the Buddha lying on his right side with his head pointing north. The stupa is constructed of brick and surrounded by a sprawling complex of ancient ruins and monasteries. It serves as a major pilgrimage destination for followers of Buddhism globally.
The elevated viewing platform outside the main stupa chamber, which offers a clear angle of the architectural exterior.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the heat and the largest crowds of pilgrims.
Carry socks, as walking barefoot on the heated stone flooring around the stupa is required.
Maintain a quiet demeanor, as this is an active site of religious meditation for monks and visitors.
Avoid touching the ancient stonework or the reclining statue, as physical contact is prohibited to preserve the sandstone.
Remove footwear before entering the temple complex; dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; maintain silence; photography inside the main chamber is often restricted.
