Monday, August 18, 2008

Deekshabhoomi

On a recent visit to Nagpur, I got an opportunity to visit Deekshabhoomi and pay my obeissence to Gautama Buddha, who showed the path of salvation to the mankind and Dr. B R Ambedkar, who is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution. Deekshabhoomi is the place where Dr Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of his followers. Today, at this site in Ramdaspet, stands a towering monument modelled on the world famous Sanchi Stupa. Built in Granite, Marble and Dholpur sandstone, the Deekshabhoomi stupa contains the ashes of Dr. B R Ambedkar, placed in a silver casket. It is a site of pilgrimmage for lakhs of neo-Buddhist dalits, whose numbers swell to about two million on the day of Asoka Vijaya Dasami.

Although Dr. Ambedkar finally decided to embrace Buddhism in 1956, he had in fact made his famous announcement at the Yeola Conference held in 1935. “Unfortunately for me, I was born a Hindu Untouchable. It was beyond my power to prevent that, but I declare that it is within my power, to refuse to live under ignoble and humiliating conditions. I solemnly assure you that I will not die a Hindu." Soon after, Ambedkar was approached by various leaders of different faiths and denominations, persuading him to join their order.

After visiting Sri Lanka in 1950s and publishing a series of books and articles arguing that Buddhism was the only way for the Untouchables to gain equality, Dr.Ambedkar publicly converted to Buddhism on Vijay Dashami day, which fell on October 14, 1956. He took the three refuges and the five precepts of Buddhism from Bhadant U Chandramani, in the traditional manner and then in his turn administered them to the 380,000 of his followers that were present. More conversions followed and thus began the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India, which is still active. Ambedkar died just two months later on December 6, 1956, but by then he had completed his vow made at Yeola, some 21 years ago.

Visitors to Deekshabhoomi get an opportunity to glance through the photo exhibition of Dr. B R Ambedkar’s life and times. The Black & White photographs cover all major milestones of Dr. Ambedkar’s life as an intelligent barrister, visionary leader and the architect of the Indian Constitution. Expectedly, having born in a poor family of Mahar community as Bhimrao Sakpal, there are no photographs of Ambedkar’s childhood. The photo exhibition is a journey depicting the empowerment of a down trodden.

Also on display is the story of Siddhartha Gautama as Tathagath Buddha, carved beautifully on wood panels. The tale begins with Queen Mahamaya having a dream of a White Elephant, signifying birth of a celebrated, and goes on to cover Siddhartha Gautama’s childhood, his compassion for people and animals alike, Siddhartha’s encounters with the sick, old and dying people, great departure, meditation and enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The next part comprise Buddha’s teachings and conversion of masses and Maharajas alike to the new order. The change of heart of Decoit Angulimala, by Buddha gets a special mention. Several wood carvings of famous Buddhist temples in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and other South East Asian contries are also displayed. The description is in English, Hindi and Marathi. English text could be made more tight and grammatical error free.

I emerged out of Deekshabhoomi, saluting the spirit of Dr.Ambedkar and bowing to the teachings of Buddha. Buddham Sharanam Gachchami. Sangham Sharanam Gachchami. Ein a Dhammam Prabhateekam, Tvam Sharanam Gachchami.

2 comments:

Akshaprabha said...

Nice one, Manish.
India has three places that have been made holy by their association with the life of this Maha Maanav.The first is Mhow, which is Dr. Ambedkar’s Janmabhoomi. The second is Deekshabhoomi and the third is Chaityabhoomi at Dadar Beach in Mumbai, where his Samadhi has been erected.
Also, interstingly,"Deekshabhoomi Express" runs between Nagpur Junction Railway Station and Gaya Junction Railway Station in Bihar.
Try catching it someday...!

Dimpy Roy said...

Good post. Thanks for sharing. Deekshabhoomi is spread over four acres of significant land in the city.[2] The stupa was designed by architect Sheo Dan Mal. Check out more about Deekshabhoomi also.