The Maha Parinirvana Temple

This chaitya has an image of the Buddha that portrays his last hours. It is a six metre long image of the Buddha in the parinirvana posture. The Buddha is lying on his right side with one arm curved under his head and the other by his side. The image was found to be broken when it was discovered and was then carefully restored. The image is carved in a dark stone but gleams because of the application of gold leaf all over it by pilgrims. Devotees pray and lay flowers at the Buddha’s feet. The temple becomes magical at night when earthen lamps are lit and the image glows a mellow gold in their light as monks chant mantras in a slow drone.