There are a number of places revered by the followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. While Chaitya Bhoomi, Dr Ambedkar’s memorial in Mumbai and Deekshabhoomi- Nagpur are the most important places, following are the other sites followers of the legendary leader consider sacred.
Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, Maharashtra:
One of the most sacred monuments of Buddhism, it is here that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with his 6,00,000 followers. The event took place on October 14, 1956- on Ashok Vijayadashmi, the day emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. The day is also referred to as Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din, meaning, mass conversion ceremony day.
Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
On April 14, 1891, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was born in Mhow, a military cantonment located 23 km south of Indore. The town was renamed Dr Ambedkar Nagar in 2003 in memory of the legendary leader. The Madhya Pradesh government has constructed a memorial to honour the man, best known to the entire world as the architect of Indian constitution.
Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
It is here that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was cremated after his death on December 6, 2017. Earlier known as Dadar Chowpatty, the Chaitya Bhoomi, one of the most revered places for Ambedkar’s followers, consists of a memorial of the tall leader. The square structure of the memorial consists of a statue of Dr Ambedkar and Gautam Buddha. The memorial was inaugurated by Meerabai Yashwantrao Ambedkar, the daughter-in-law of Dr Ambedkar on December 5, 1971. On December 6 every year, lakhs of followers visit Chaitya Bhoomi to pay homage to Ambedkar.
Rajgruha, Mumbai- Maharashtra
This is Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s home. When he moved to Mumbai in 1930s, he built a house in Hindu Colony in Dadar. It was named Rajgriha in memory of the ancient Buddhist kingdom. The ground floor of the house is today a memorial. The photographs and ashes of Dr Ambedkar are open to visitors here.
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, Pune-Maharashtra
Constructed in April 1990, the museum houses some precious personal belongings of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The collection includes the bed on which he passed away, the table and chair he used while penning down the Constitution of India, his personal statue of Buddha, the Bharat Ratna award, his books to name a few. A grand ceremony is held every year at the museum on December 6 to commemorate Dr Ambedkar.
