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About Temple
Ramabhar Stupa, also known as Mukutbandhan Chaitya, is a significant Buddhist monument located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. This stupa marks the site where Lord Buddha was cremated after attaining Mahaparinirvana (ultimate liberation) in 483 BC. Constructed by the Malla Kings, who ruled Kushinagar during Buddha's time, the stupa stands as a testament to ancient Buddhist architecture. Built from bricks, it rises to a height of approximately 14.9 meters (about 50 feet) and features a circular base with a diameter of 47.24 meters at the bottom and 34.14 meters at the top. The stupa is situated on a mound opposite the Kushinagar-Deoria road, near a pond-like water body. Description:
The Ramabhar Stupa, also known as the Mukutbandhan Stupa, is a significant Buddhist monument located in Kushinagar, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This large, hemispherical stupa marks the site where Lord Buddha was cremated after attaining Mahaparinirvana (final liberation).
The stupa stands at a height of about 49 feet (15 meters).It is made of bricks and sits amidst peaceful gardens, contributing to the spiritual ambiance of the area.
The structure is unadorned and simple, reflecting early Buddhist architectural style.
Speciality:
Historical Importance: This is the cremation site of Gautama Buddha, making it one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.Spiritual Significance: It represents the Buddha’s final journey and is visited by Buddhists from across the globe who come to pay homage.
Part of the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit: Along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath, Kushinagar (and Ramabhar Stupa) is part of the key locations associated with the life of Buddha.
Archaeological Value: The site holds immense value for historians and archaeologists studying ancient Buddhist practices and architecture.
Address and Coordinates
Address: Near Buddha Ghat, approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of the Parinirvana Temple, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Latitude and Longitude: 26.7325° N, 83.8980° E
Visiting Hours
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Nearby Transportation Facilities
Nearest Railway Station: Gorakhpur Junction (53 km) with connections to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
Nearest Airport: Kushinagar International Airport (5 km) with direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Gorakhpur Airport (45 km) also serves the region.
Nearest Bus Station: Kushinagar Bus Station (4 km).
How to Reach
By Road (Bus & Car Routes)
From Gorakhpur (53 km): Regular buses and taxis are available.
From Lucknow (324 km): State and private buses available via NH27.
From Varanasi (220 km): Private cabs and state-run buses operate on this route.
From Patna (230 km): NH27 route connects Patna to Kushinagar via Muzaffarpur.
By Rail
The nearest major railway station is Gorakhpur Junction (53 km), well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
From Gorakhpur, buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available to Kushinagar.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kushinagar International Airport (5 km).
Gorakhpur Airport (45 km) offers domestic flights to Delhi and Kolkata.
Accommodation (Stay Facilities)
Kushinagar offers a range of accommodation options including budget hotels, guesthouses, and monastery lodges.
Popular Hotels & Lodges:
The Imperial Kushinagar
Royal Residency
Rahi Pathik Niwas
Lotus Nikko Hotel
Myanmar Buddha Vihar Guest House
Some Buddhist monasteries, like Wat Thai Kushinagar, also provide lodging for pilgrims.
Food Facilities
Kushinagar has several local restaurants offering Indian and Nepali cuisine. Many Buddhist monastery guest houses provide Thai, Burmese, and Tibetan food.
Popular eateries include:Buddha Bhojanalaya
Hotel Yama Café
Bodh Café and Restaurant
Myanmar Buddhist Temple Dining Hall
Nearby Attractions
Buddhist Temples & Monasteries
Parinirvana Temple (1.5 km): Houses a 6.1-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.
Matha Kuar Shrine (2 km): Features a 3-meter-tall seated Buddha statue in bhumi sparsha mudra.
Wat Thai Temple (2 km): A large complex built in traditional Thai-Buddhist architectural style.
Japanese Temple (2 km): Built by the Japanese Buddhist Sangha with a golden Buddha idol.
Other Nearby Attractions
Nirvana Stupa & Nirvana Chaitya (1.5 km): Holds Buddha's relics.
Meditation Park (2 km): A peaceful area for meditation.
Ramabhar Lake: A sacred water body near the cremation site.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. The Buddha Purnima Festival (April-May) is a special occasion for Buddhist pilgrims.
Local Shopping
Kushinagar is known for:
Buddhist statues and artifacts
Handmade wooden crafts
Religious souvenirs like prayer beads and incense
Traditional textiles from Uttar Pradesh
Ramabhar Stupa is not just an architectural marvel but also a profound spiritual site that commemorates the final journey of Lord Buddha. Its historical and religious significance continues to attract devotees and scholars, preserving the essence of Buddhist heritage. A visit to this sacred stupa offers a deep connection to the life and teachings of the Buddha, making it an essential landmark in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.