Nirvana ritual
涅槃会/Nehan-e

At Buddhist Temples

(Feb. 15 or Feb. 15th of the lunar calendar)

Nirvana ritual is held annually
in memory of Shakyamuni's death.

Many temples decorate Nievana paintings/Nehan-zu and explain about that.

Nehan-zu/涅槃図 Nehan-zu is a picture which describes the moment when Shakyamuni passed away. He lies under the paired sai trees (沙羅双樹/sarasoju) with his head faces north on his right arm and face faces west. He is surrounded by crying disciples and animals who grieve over his death.