Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t12.1

v1.c7.s2.t12.1

Among the four holiest pilgrimage sites highlighting landmark events of Buddha’s life, Kushinagar is linked with his last sermon and Mahaparinirvana (complete extinction/ passing away). Located in the eastern part of India's Uttar Pradesh province and bordering Nepal, it is about 52 km from Gorakhpur. Presently a small town, it finds earliest references in Ramayana as the city of King Kushha, the son of Ayodhya’s legendary king, Lord Rama. During Buddha’s time, Kushinagar and Pava were two important places located on the link trade-route passing through the Republic of Mallas and connected with ancient highways. In Jatakas, this city is known as Kushavati and elsewhere is also called Kushinara and Kasia.