Chaitya Bhoomi

Chaitya Bhoomi (IAST: Caityabhūmī, Officially: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Memorial) is a Buddhist chaitya and the cremation place of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. It is situated besides Dadar Chowpatty (beach), Mumbai. Chaitya Bhoomi is a revered place of pilgrimage for Ambedkar's followers, who visit in millions annually on his death anniversary (Mahaparinirvan Diwas) on 6 December.[1][2][3]

Chaitya Bhoomi
Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa
Coordinates19.026149°N 72.834599°E / 19.026149; 72.834599
LocationDadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
TypeStupa
Opening date5 December 1971
Dedicated toB. R. Ambedkar

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Governor, the Minister and many other politicians pay tribute to Ambedkar every year on 6 December in Chaitya Bhoomi. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has also visited.[4] Chaitya Bhoomi hosts a memorial to Ambedkar and has been graded an A-class tourism and pilgrimage site by the Government of Maharashtra.[5]

Structural details

The Buddha and Babasaheb Ambedkar inside Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa

The structure is square in shape with a small dome divided into ground and mezzanine floors. In the square-shaped structure is a circular wall about 1.5 metres in height. In the circular area are placed the bust of Ambedkar and a statue of Gautam Buddha. The circular wall has two entrances and is furnished with marble flooring. On the mezzanine floor there is a Stupa, besides the resting place for Bhikkhus. The main entrance gate of the Chaitya Bhoomi is replica of the Gate of the Stupa of Sanchi while inside a replica of Ashoka Pillar is made.

The Chaitya Bhoomi was inaugurated by Meerabai Yashvant Ambedkar, the daughter-in-law of B. R. Ambedkar, on 5 December 1971. Here, the relics of Ambedkar are enshrined. In 2012, the Central Government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cleared the transfer of Indu Mills land to the Maharashtra Government for constructing a memorial.[6]

Mahaparinirvan Din

Chaitya Bhoomi gate and Ashoka pillar
Ambedkar and Chaitya Bhoomi on a 2013 postage stamp of India

Ambedkar's death anniversary (December 6th) is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. millions of people across India throng Chaitya Bhoomi to pay homage to him.[7]

See also

References

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