Ramabhar

Ramabhar is a significant archaeological site located in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India. It is primarily known for the Ramabhar Stupa, a large, cylindrical stupa believed to mark the spot where the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, attained his Mahaparinirvana, his final cremation, and ascension into nirvana. The site is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists.

The name "Ramabhar" is derived from a local legend and the historical accounts suggesting it was a former monastery or a place of importance to the early Buddhist community. The stupa itself is a prominent structure, though much of its original form has been altered by centuries of weathering and restoration efforts. Archaeological excavations have revealed the layered history of the site, indicating continuous human activity and religious significance over a long period.

The Ramabhar Stupa is one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage sites connected to the life of the Buddha. The other three are Bodh Gaya (where he attained enlightenment), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), and Kushinagar (another location associated with his Mahaparinirvana, often considered the primary site). The presence of the stupa at Ramabhar underscores its importance in the narrative of the Buddha's final days. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, which undertakes preservation and maintenance activities.