About Mahāparinibbāna Sutta

The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta is Sutta 16 in the Dīgha Nikāya, part of the Sutta Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist canon. This longest sutta details the final days, parinibbāna (passing away), cremation, and relic division of Gautama Buddha. Starting with a visit from Vassakara, the minister of King Ajātasattu, the sutta extends beyond the Buddha's rainy retreat and concludes with the establishment of eight monuments (cetiyas) enshrining his relics, highlighting the Indian origins of Buddhist funeral customs.