Kushinagar Or Sarnath?

[DangerSuit]

I will be stopping in Uttar Pradesh for a short time and will be visiting Agra and Lucknow, but I also wanted to visit one of the main Buddhist sites in the area. I have been told both Sarnath and Kushinagar are very important sites of significance for Buddhist followers, but I wondered whether anyone had any opinions on which one is better? I don't think I will have time to visit both regions.

 

[briannagodess]

Hmmm... It's really tough to choose between the two. I'd just highlight some important facts about them so you can make your decision:

Kushinagar

• This is about 53 kms away from Gorakhpur.
• It is believed that it is here where Buddha spent his last breath.
• In the Mahaparinirvana temple, there is a reclining Buddha statue, excavated around 1876.
• Thousands of worshippers visit this place every year.
• The Mathakuar Shrine (located in Kushinagar) is the place where Buddha made his last sermon, with the quote, "All things must pass. Decay is inherent in all things."
• It has very much old structures dating as far back as the 3rd century B.C.
• Rhambar Stupa is located here, which stands on the same location where Buddha was cremated.

Sarnath

• This is located about 10 kms away from Varanasi.
• It is said that this is where the Buddha conducted his first sermon, at the Deer Park.
• At the Chaukhandi Stupa is where the Buddha met his first five disciples.
• There's a museum and a library here where you can enjoy and learn more about the Buddhism.
• The Dharmarajika and Dharnek Stupas are majestic and you can truly understand why this place is important during that time.

There you go. It's really up to you to decide which place you'd like to go to. Both have their relevance and importance in Buddha's life as well as any Buddhist's life. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your trip!