Chaitya Bhoomi
{{short description|Resting place of Babasaheb Ambedkar}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox monument
|monument_name = Chaitya Bhoomi
|image = Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai – Samadhi place of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.jpg
|caption = Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa
|coordinates = {{Coord|19|01|30|N|72|50|02|E|display=inline,title}}
|location = Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
|designer =
|type = Stupa
|material =
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|complete =
|open = 5 December 1971
|dedicated_to = B. R. Ambedkar
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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.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/59th-death-anniversary-of-b-r-ambedkar-a-day-when-all-roads-in-the-city-led-to-chaityabhoomi/|title=59th death anniversary of B R Ambedkar: A day when all roads in the city led to Chaityabhoomi|date=7 December 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.forwardpress.in/2014/12/babasaheb-ambedkar-mahaparinirwan-bhumi/|title = Chaitya Bhoomi: India's most visited death memorial|date = 2 December 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/thousands-in-city-all-roads-lead-to-chaitya-bhoomi/|title=Thousands in city, all roads lead to Chaitya Bhoomi|date=6 December 2014}}
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.{{cite news |title=Glimpses from PM Modi's visit to Chaitya Bhoomi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/photo/glimpses-from-pm-modis-visit-to-chaitya-bhoomi-376468-2015-10-11 |accessdate=21 March 2018 |work=India Today |language=en}} Chaitya Bhoomi hosts a memorial to Ambedkar and has been graded an A-class tourism and pilgrimage site by the Government of Maharashtra.{{cite news |title=BR Ambedkar Chaitya Bhoomi gets 'A' class pilgrimage status |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/mumbai/br-ambedkar-chaitya-bhoomi-gets-a-class-pilgrimage-status_1955352.html |accessdate=21 March 2018 |work=Zee News |date=2 December 2016 |language=en}}
Structural details
File:The Buddha and Babasaheb Ambedkar inside Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa, Mumbai.jpg
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.{{cite news |last=PTI |title=Ambedkar memorial: Centre okays transfer of Indu Mill land |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ambedkar-memorial-centre-okays-transfer-of-indu-mill-land/article4166696.ece |accessdate=5 December 2013 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 December 2012}}
Mahaparinirvan Din
File:Chaitya Bhoomi gate and Ashoka pillar.jpg
File:Ambedkar 2013 stamp of India.jpg
Ambedkar's death anniversary (6 December) is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Millions of people across India throng Chaitya Bhoomi to pay homage to him.{{cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Amit |title=Navi Mumbai: Declare public holiday in schools and colleges on Friday |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-navi-mumbai-declare-public-holiday-in-schools-and-colleges-on-friday-1929982 |accessdate=5 December 2013 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=5 December 2013}}
Gallery
File:Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa 01.jpg|Chaitya Bhoomi
File:Ashoka pillar, Chaitya Bhoomi 04.jpg|Ashoka pillar, Chaitya Bhoomi
File:Ashoka pillar and Chaitya Bhoomi gate (inner side).jpg|Ashoka pillar and Chaitya Bhoomi gate (inner side)
File:Chaitya Bhoomi Stupa 04.jpg|Chaitya Bhoomi Volunteers of Samata Sainik Dal and Ambedkars followers, surrounded by Chaitya Bhoomi on Mahaparinirvana Day
File:Structure of Chaitya Bhoomi stupa inside Chaitya Bhoomi.jpg|Structure of Chaitya Bhoomi stupa inside Chaitya Bhoomi
File:Replica of Sanchi gate at Chaitya Bhoomi.png|Replica of Sanchi gate carving at Chaitya Bhoomi
File:Sand carved Buddha at Dadar Chowpatty.png|Sand carved Buddha at Dadar Chowpatty on Mahaparinirvan Din
File:People across India gathered at Chaitya Bhoomi on 6th December.png|People across India gathered at Chaitya Bhoomi on 6 December
File:An offering at Chaitya Bhoomi by family.png|An offering at Dadar Chowpatty by family
File:A Buddhist monk watching photo exhibition at Chaitya Bhoomi.png|A Buddhist monk watching photo exhibition at Chaitya Bhoomi
File:Resting Place Of Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar.jpg|Resting Place Of Yashwant Bhimrao Ambedkar
See also
References
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External links
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- [https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/ITwN9yIv7PGKpRrmtmu2fI/The-day-Shivaji-Park-turns-blue.html?facet=amp The day Shivaji Park turns blue; 15 Dec 2018; Bhanuj Kappal] by mint
Category:Memorials to B. R. Ambedkar
Category:Monuments and memorials in Maharashtra