Mathakuar shrine and the monasteries of Asia
The Mathakuar shrine, about 400 m from the main temple, holds a large seated Buddha in black stone in the earth-touching gesture, dating from around the 10th or 11th century. Tradition says the Buddha gave his final teaching nearby before lying down between the sal trees.
From there we visit several of the international temples. The Thai temple has fine gardens and a richly decorated hall, the Burmese temple a golden stupa, and the Japanese temple a gilded Buddha image brought from Japan. The Linh Son Vietnamese temple and Sri Lankan temple show other traditions.
Your guide chooses three or four based on opening hours and your interests. The morning ends with tea at the hotel before the drive to Gorakhpur airport or onward. Opening hours vary and most temples close for lunch.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is the Mathakuar shrine?
Mathakuar is a small shrine in Kushinagar with a large seated Buddha in black stone, dating from around the 10th or 11th century. It marks, by tradition, the place where the Buddha gave his last sermon before his parinirvana. It is about 400 m from the Mahaparinirvana Temple.
Which monasteries should I visit in Kushinagar?
The Thai temple, with its gardens, the Burmese temple and its golden stupa, and the Japanese temple are the most rewarding. The Vietnamese and Sri Lankan temples are also worth a stop. Three or four make a calm morning. Most close for lunch.
Can I stay in a monastery in Kushinagar?
Some monasteries offer simple guesthouse rooms, mainly for pilgrims. They are basic and quiet, often with early-morning chanting. We can arrange a stay on request, but most of our guests prefer one of the town's comfortable hotels, visiting the monasteries by day.
Also in Kushinagar
More hours to plan around
