Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Chaitya Bhoomi

Originally the site where the Chaitya Bhoomi is situated on the Dadar Chowpati was late Seth Bhagoji Baloji Kir Cremetorium. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, architect of Indian Constitution, was cremated here after his death on 6th December, 1956. This place was later converted into Chaitya Bhoomi which is a National Monument.
Chaitya Bhoomi is a place of pilgrimage to the Buddhists. It 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 Bauddha Bhikus. The Chaitya Bhoomi was inaugurated by the learned Smt. Meerabai Yashvantrao Ambedkar, the daughter-in-law of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, on December 5, 1971.
A large number of people from all over the country, unfailingly, visit the Chaitya Bhoomi, Dr Ambedkar's Memorial, to pay homage on December six every year as well as on the Buddha Paurnima day. The people even from the remote places of the nation come here to pay homage on his death anniversary. Thousands of people, waving blue flags, march to the Shivaji Park ground on this day.

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