Ramgram Stupa, housing Lord Buddha's relics, awaits conservation

By Our Correspondent,Parasi, Mar. 23: The Ramgram Stupa, a centre of faith for Buddhists worldwide and the only place where the sacred relics of Lord Gautam Buddha are preserved, is still awaiting proper conservation and promotion.

Important archaeological sites such as the Ramgram Stupa in western Nawalparasi and Panditpur (Kol Nagar), believed to be the capital of the ancient Koli Republic, have suffered from prolonged state neglect.

For the past three decades, these areas have been repeatedly excavated and reburied. No concrete measures have been taken to safeguard the exposed archaeological structures or to make them accessible for public and tourist viewing. As a result, visitors have been unable to experience the rich history buried beneath the ground.

Former civil society president Radhe Shyam Singh Saithwar expressed dissatisfaction with the working style of the local government and the Lumbini Development Trust. He said, “The Ramgram Stupa in Ramgram-7 Deurawa, which houses the sacred ashes of Lord Gautam Buddha, and Kol Nagar (present-day Panditpur), considered the birthplace of Mahamaya, are very sacred places for Buddhists."

However, the inaction of the municipality and other concerned bodies in developing these areas is evident. Although Ramgram Municipality has named itself after these sites, it has not even managed to install a single notice board within its boundaries.”

Saithwar further remarked, “The government has entrusted the development of the Ramgram Stupa area to the Lumbini Development Trust, but the Trust seems reluctant to move forward, perhaps viewing Ramgram as a rival to Lumbini. Unless the excavated sites are protected, opened for viewing, and promoted internationally, development of this area will not be possible.”

Local residents emphasized the need for an integrated master plan to highlight the historical importance of Ramgram and Panditpur. They believe creating a tourism corridor that connects Lumbini with Ramgram would significantly boost both economic and cultural development.

Ramgram Municipality Mayor Dhanpat Yadav stated that since these sites fall under the jurisdiction of the Lumbini Development Trust, the municipality has been unable to take concrete action. However, he assured that in the coming days, promotion and publicity efforts would be carried out in coordination with the Trust.

Tourists have expressed frustration over the lack of management to preserve and open previously excavated sites. Meanwhile, local residents have demanded that the municipality immediately begin identifying heritage sites within its area at the very least by installing information boards along main roads and borders and upgrading infrastructure.

They added that unless a Buddhist circuit is established connecting Ramgram and Panditpur, and their historical significance is promoted internationally, tourists visiting Lumbini will not be drawn to this region.