MAHAPARINIBBANA - THE BUDDHA'S FINAL PASSING AWAY FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF THE ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE ; AND DONA , THE BRAHMAN DISTRIBUTING THE BUDDHA'S RELICS THEREAFTER.

(a) The Buddha at Kusinara laid himself between two Sal tree with his head to the North, determined not to rise again. He then delivered his last admonition, 'Behold, O Disciples! I exhort you! Subject to change are all component things! Strive on with Diligence!' before He entered Maha parinibbana (attainment of Final Emancipation).
(b) Dona, the Brahman divided the Buddha's relics into eight equal portions and distributed each of them to the Rulers of the eight countries.Then Dona decided that the golden container be kept for himself as an object of respectful veneration.