What Happened to Gautama Buddha After His Death?

The Enigmatic End of the Buddha

The Buddhist tradition has always maintained that no one can say anything definitive about what happened to Gautama Buddha after his death. In this view, the question itself makes no sense. All we know is that the Buddha was not reborn anywhere in a conventional sense. Beyond this, according to tradition, it is not possible to know anything specific about what occurred.

A Historical Account of the Buddha's Last Days

The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, in the 5th century BCE. It is said that he died not due to natural causes but rather as a deliberate act to demonstrate impermanence. Legend suggests that he was served a dish of pork that had gone bad. After eating it, he did not allow his followers to do the same and then laid down on his left side with his head in his hand, passing away peacefully.

Cremation and Distribution of Remains

The Buddha was cremated in a traditional manner. After the cremation, some remnants called "dhathu" were distributed to various countries and realms. It is believed that his remains were divided into eight parts, each placed in different stupas (monuments) across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries.

Notable Stupas Containing Buddha's Remains

The most famous of these stupas is the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, located near the site of the Buddha's death in Kushinagar. This stupa is considered a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and holds a special place in their hearts.

Continuous Quest for Buddha's Remains

Throughout history, there have been numerous attempts to trace the exact location of the Buddha's remains. In the early 20th century, a British archaeologist named William Claxton Peppé claimed to have discovered the Buddha's ashes in a stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh. However, his findings were later disputed, making the exact location of the remains a subject of controversy among historians and archaeologists.

Legacy of the Buddha's Teachings

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact location of his remains, the teachings and philosophy of the Buddha continue to inspire millions of people around the world. Some of his bodily remains, including a few teeth and hairs, were also taken to various Buddhist shrines across the globe.

Note: This article is a translation and interpretation of historical and religious accounts. It is not intended to provide definitive historical evidence but rather to offer a comprehensive view of the events and beliefs surrounding the Buddha's death and the distribution of his remains.