On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c17.s3.58

v2.c17.s3.58

The pilgrim proceeds to relate that near the tope of Vajrapāṇi's Swoon was another tope to mark the spot at which the newly deceased Buddha was worshipped for seven days by the devas. He tells us that as the Ju-lai was dying (lit. about to be extinguished) a bright light shone everywhere. All present were moved with sorrow and they said one to another— "The Lord of great enlightenment is now about to pass into extinction: the religious merit (that is, the means of acquiring merit) of creatures is exhausted and the world is resourceless." But the Buddha as he lay on his right side on his bed said to the multitude— "Say not the Ju-lai is undergoing final extinction: his spiritual presence abides for ever aloof from all change: ye should cast off sloth and seek betimes for Emancipation (that is, Nirvāṇa)." The bhikshus, however, continued to wail and weep until Aniruddha rebuked them saying— "Stop, lament not: the devas will chide you". When the Mallas had performed their services of reverence to the dead body of the Buddha they wished to remove the coffin to the place of cremation, but Aniruddha made them leave it where it was for seven days. This he did at the desire of the devas who wished to pay worship to the Buddha's body. Then the devas came through the air, bearing exquisite celestial flowers, and chanting the praises of Buddha, and then they offered worship to his body.