Jhigu Nepa

2568 years ago, during the month of Baishakh Purnima (full moon night) in Kushinagar. Tathagata (Lord Buddha) would complete 80 years of age and attain Maha Parinirvana. Knowing the time of his passing, Tathagata had already informed this news to his closest disciple, Ananda. Although deeply saddened, Ananda asked – “Lord, how would you like us to honor your earthly body once the mind leaves ?” With a compassionate smile, Tathagata responded, “you should not worry about my body. Instead, keep focusing on meditation, in order to gain ultimate truth and wisdom. The relics (Asthi Dhatu) of my body left after the completion of my death rituals, will be taken by different Kings and Leaders. They will use the relics to make Stupas (Chaitya) in their cities. My devotees will come to the stupas to perform the spiritual rituals and puja, which will help them gain merits, filing their souls with happiness and improve their current lives and hereafter. The same was done with every other Bu