Why is Kushinagara important to Buddhists?

Kushinagara (also known as Kushinara or modern-day Kasia) is profoundly important to Buddhists because it is recognized as the site of the Buddha’s parinibbana, or final death.12

According to tradition, the Buddha traveled to this location at the age of 80. Weakened by illness, he lay down on his right side between two trees, which are said to have blossomed out of season to mark the occasion. It was here that he delivered his final instructions to his disciples, emphasizing that the dharma (his teachings) and the vinaya (the code of monastic conduct) should serve as their teacher after his passing.1

Because of this historic event, Kushinagara is considered one of the four primary pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist tradition, alongside the locations of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and first sermon. The Buddha himself encouraged his followers to make pilgrimages to these sites, noting that those who venerate shrines erected at these locations may be reborn as gods.12