Chaitya Bhoomi
| चैत्यभूमी | |
Replica of the Sanchi gate and Ashokan piller at Chaity Bhoomi.
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| Location | Dadar, Maharashtra |
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| Dedicated to | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar |
Chaitya Bhoomi is a memorial to Dr. B R Ambedkar, Chief architect of Indian Constitution. Earlier known as Dadar Chowpatty it began to be known as Chaitya Bhoomi after Babasaheb Ambedkar was cremated here after his death on 6 December 1956. Chaitya Bhoomi is a reverred place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists in India.
In Buddhism, Chaitya means a shrine or prayer hall while the word Bhumi means land. Hence it is the place where followers of Ambedkar, come to pay their respect to the person whom they consider their god.
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 Dr. B. R. alias Babasaheb 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 the learned Smt. Meerabai Yashvantrao Ambedkar, the daughter-in-law of B. R. Ambedkar, on December 5, 1971. Here, the relics of Ambedkar are enshrined.
Ambedkar's death anniversary, 6 December, is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Lakhs of people across the nation throng Chaityabhoomi to pay homage to him on this day has become an old custom.
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
Ashokan Piller at Chaitya Bhoomi
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Wikipedia