Chaitya Bhoomi

Chaitya Bhoomi (IAST: Caityabhūmī) (Officially: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Memorial, Chaitya Bhoomi) is a Buddhist chaitya and resting place of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Earlier known as Dadar Chowpatty, it began to be known as Chaitya Bhoomi after Ambedkar was cremated there after his death on 6 December 1956. Chaitya Bhoomi is a revered place of pilgrimage for all Ambedkarites and Buddhists in the World.[1]

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

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.[2] Chaitya Bhoomi hosts a memorial to Ambedkar and has been graded an A-class tourism and pilgrimage site by the Government of Maharashtra.[3]

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.[4]

Mahaparinirvan Din

Ambedkar's death anniversary (December 6th) is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. millions of people across India throng Chaitya Bhoomi to pay homage to him.[5]

  • Chaitya Bhoomi
  • Ashoka pillar, Chaitya Bhoomi
  • Ashoka pillar and Chaitya Bhoomi gate (inner side)
  • Chaitya Bhoomi Volunteers of Samata Sainik Dal and Ambedkars followers, surrounded by Chaitya Bhoomi on Mahaparinirvana Day
  • Structure of Chaitya Bhoomi stupa inside Chaitya Bhoomi
  • Replica of Sanchi gate carving at Chaitya Bhoomi
  • Sand carved Buddha at Dadar Chowpatty on Mahaparinirvan Din
  • People across India gathered at Chaitya Bhoomi on 6 December
  • An offering at Dadar Chowpatty by family
  • A Buddhist monk watching photo exhibition at Chaitya Bhoomi
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See also

References
  1. Chaitya Bhoomi, Dadar - Ambedkar Memorial : Photos & Videos
  2. "Glimpses from PM Modi's visit to Chaitya Bhoomi". India Today. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  3. "BR Ambedkar Chaitya Bhoomi gets 'A' class pilgrimage status". Zee News. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  4. PTI (5 December 2012). "Ambedkar memorial: Centre okays transfer of Indu Mill land". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  5. Srivastava, Amit (5 December 2013). "Navi Mumbai: Declare public holiday in schools and colleges on Friday". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
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