Chapter XXIV

Going eastward from this place four yojanas, we arrive at the Ashes-tower. Here also is a sangharama. Again going twelve yojanas eastward, we arrive at the town of Kusinagara. To the north of this town, where the Lord of the World, lying by the side of the Hiranyavati river, with his head to the north and a sal tree on either side of him, entered Nirvana; also in the place where Subhadra was converted, the very last of all his disciples; also where for seven days they paid reverence to the Lord of the World lying in his golden coffin; also where Vajrapani threw down his golden mace, and where the eight kings divided the relics; in each of the above places towers have been raised and sangharamas built, which still exist.

In this city also there are but few inhabitants; such families as there are, are connected with the resident congregation of priests. Going south-east twelve yojanas from this place, we arrive at the spot where the Lichchhavis, desiring to follow Buddha to the scene of his Nirvana, were forbidden to do so. On account of their affection for Buddha they were unwilling to go back, on which Buddha caused to appear between them and him a great and deeply-scarped river, which they could not cross. He then left with them his alms-bowl as a memorial, and exhorted them to return to their houses. On this they went back and erected a stone pillar, on which this account is engraved.