The scent of incense and the heavy silence of a courtyard offer a space for deep reflection as you step into the Matha Kuar Shrine. This site marks the location where Buddha delivered his final sermon, a moment of profound historical transition following his period of illness. You are standing in a protected archaeological site that follows the traditional plan of a Buddhist Vihar, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by small rooms.
Witnessing the Earth-Touching Buddha
At the western end of the vihar, you will find a white temple-like structure with a porch supported by pillars. Inside this structure stands a three-meter-tall statue of Buddha in bhumisparsha, or earth-touching, pose. Carved from Gaya blue stone and excavated in 1876, the monolithic sculpture was restored and enshrined here in 1927. While photography is permitted in the area, please note that only mobile phones may be used to capture images of the Buddha statue.
Timing Your Visit for Reflection
The site is open from sunrise to sunset. To make the most of your visit, allow yourself enough time to move beyond the mere sight of the architecture and soak up the peaceful atmosphere that makes this location ideal for meditation. The primary highlight is the presence of the ancient stone statue within its white pavilion, providing a tangible connection to the history of the final sermon.
Exploring the Sacred Landscape
Beyond the Matha Kuar Shrine, the broader landscape of Kushinagar holds several other significant sites related to the life of Buddha. You can explore the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which marks the site of his death and houses a reclining statue, or visit the Ramabhar Stupa at the site of his cremation. Other nearby locations for further exploration include the Buddha Park, Japan SriLanka Buddhist Center, Linh-son Vietnam Chinese Buddhist Temple, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, and Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Plan your journey to Kushinagar today to experience these sacred sites and find a moment of quietude in this historic landscape.