Ramabhar stupa, the place of cremation
According to Buddhist texts, the Mallas of Kushinagar honoured the Buddha's body for seven days before cremating it. The relics were then divided among eight groups, including the Licchavis of Vaishali and the Mallas themselves. The Ramabhar stupa, also called the Mukutbandhan Chaitya, was built over the cremation site.
Today it is a large circular brick mound, about 15 m high, set in a garden of lawns and trees. Pilgrims walk around it, place flowers and gold leaf on the brickwork and sit in meditation. It is usually quieter than the main temple.
We visit at sunset, when the brick glows warm and birds settle in the trees. Your guide recounts the story of the cremation and the division of relics that led to stupas across the Buddhist world, including at Vaishali.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is the Ramabhar stupa?
Ramabhar stupa is a large brick stupa in Kushinagar built over the place where the Buddha's body was cremated by the Malla people. It is also known as the Mukutbandhan Chaitya. It stands about 1.5 km east of the Mahaparinirvana Temple in a garden.
Can I climb the Ramabhar stupa?
No. Visitors walk around the base on a path, and climbing on the stupa is not permitted. Pilgrims place gold leaf and flowers on the lower brickwork. The garden around it is open through the day and is especially peaceful at dawn and sunset.
How far is Ramabhar stupa from the Mahaparinirvana Temple?
About 1.5 km, a few minutes by car or a 20-minute walk along the main road. Many visitors walk between them in the cool of the late afternoon, visiting the temple first and reaching Ramabhar for sunset. The road between them is flat and easy.
Also in Kushinagar
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