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Chaitya Bhoomi

Coordinates: 19°01′30″N 72°50′02″E / 19.02500°N 72.83389°E / 19.02500; 72.83389
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Chaitya Bhoomi
Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa
Map
19°01′30″N 72°50′02″E / 19.02500°N 72.83389°E / 19.02500; 72.83389
LocationDadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
TypeStupa
Opening date5 December 1971
Dedicated toB. R. Ambedkar

Chaitya Bhoomi, also written as Chaityabhoomi, (IAST: Caityabhūmī, Officially: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chaityabhoomi Memorial) is a Buddhist chaitya and the cremation place of B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and the revived Buddhism in India. It is situated besides Dadar Chowpatty (beach), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. 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]

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

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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

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

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

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "59th death anniversary of B R Ambedkar: A day when all roads in the city led to Chaityabhoomi". 7 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Chaitya Bhoomi: India's most visited death memorial". 2 December 2014.
  3. ^ "Thousands in city, all roads lead to Chaitya Bhoomi". 6 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Glimpses from PM Modi's visit to Chaitya Bhoomi". India Today. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  5. ^ "BR Ambedkar Chaitya Bhoomi gets 'A' class pilgrimage status". Zee News. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  6. ^ PTI (5 December 2012). "Ambedkar memorial: Centre okays transfer of Indu Mill land". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  7. ^ 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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