Mathakaut Temple is one of the most famous and most visited shrines in Kushinagar. Kushinagar, the place of historical importance is remembered for Lord Buddha. The Mathakaut shrine is situated at the distance of 300m from Maha-Parinirvana Stupa, another famous Buddhist shrine in Kushinagar. It is here, where Buddha got "nirvana". It is the cultural heartland of the Buddhists and the Hindus.
History of Temple and God
The architecture of the temple does not differ from the traditional temples of Uttar Pradesh. The statue of Lord Buddha that can be seen here measures 3.05meters in height and is deep blue in color. It has been carved out of stones. It represents Lord Buddha sitting under the Bodhi Tree in a "Bhumi Sparsa Mudra". Here, at this very place, the head of Lord Buddha is found resting on the ground in kneel down posture. In Hindi, "matha" means "head".
The place is famous for because this is the site from where a black stone image of the Buddha in the `Bhumi Sparsha Mudra` was recovered during early excavations. `Bhumi Sparsha Mudra` in Hindi means `Kneel Down Posture`. It is widely perceived that the last sermon of Lord Buddha was given here.
Town
Kushinagar town is an esteemed pilgrimage center of the Buddhists which is located in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. It is a place holding great historic and spiritual importance.
Kushinagar has several stupas and viharas, which are almost in ruins but still have their own charm. Most of these structures date back to the period between the 3rd and the 5th centuries. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka had contributed a great deal in the construction of this site. Tourists coming to Kushinagar can also visit the Muktabandhana Stupa, which houses the last cremated remains of Lord Buddha. It is considered the most important destination in Kushinagar. This place also has a beautiful idol of Lord Buddha, carved by a monk and restored by king Haribala during the period between 413 and 455 A.D.
There are two beautiful temples in Kushinagar: the Nirvana temple and the Mathakaut temple. It was near the Nirvana temple where Lord Buddha breathed his last and the Mathakaut was the place where the last sermon of Lord Buddha was given.
Important Information to Devotees
The place has been christened Mathakaut because of the fact that the head of Lord Buddha rests on the ground in kneel down posture. This pose has a deep meaning attached to it. This particular pose symbolically expresses the supreme moment in Buddha`s life just before his Enlightenment, when he called upon the Earth to bear witness to the pieties performed by him in his previous births. Therefore this statue and the shrine as a whole have a deep significance in Buddhism philosophy.
How to reach
Cabs, autos and rickshaws are available for the visitors to visit the temple. These can be hired from near the hotel or can be booked directly from the hotel.
