|
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Gandhi's cremation on 31 January 1948. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi in India on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial.
His Last Words
The memorial has the epitaph "He Ram", (literally 'O' Ram', but also translated to 'O God'), believed to be the last words uttered by Gandhi.
Memorial Reflects Simplicity
The memorial was designed by Vanu G. Bhuta. It was originally designed to reflect the simplicity of Mahatma Gandhi's life. The design that won the government of India invitational competition had the black marble slab surrounded by red earth as none of Gandhiji's ashram residences had any "English lawn". The memorial has gone through a number of design changes since then, a few at the behest of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India.
Paying their Respects
In recent years, it has become customary for foreign dignitaries visiting India to pay their respects to Gandhi at the Raj Ghat by laying flowers or wreaths on the platform. As a sign of respect, visitors are required to remove footwear before approaching the memorial. A commemorative ceremony is held every Friday. Prayer sessions are held at the Raj Ghat on Gandhi's birth and death anniversaries.
Serene Aura
It is customary to circumambulate the tomb three times. The powerful spiritual aura of the place touches one's heart. Raj Ghat, national shrine, has an eternal flame and the sandstone walls enclosing it are inscribed with various passages written by Gandhi. The entire area of Rajghat stands surrounded by trees and here, one can see some of the most exotic shrubs of the country. This greenery is what lends such a serene aura to the Samadhi. The affairs of the Rajghat are being managed by an autonomous statutory body.
It is known by the name of Rajghat Samadhi Committee and was created by an Act of Parliament in 1951. One can also visit the National Gandhi Museum in the vicinity, which houses a collection of rare photographs and trivia related to Gandhiji.
A Peaceful Location
 Ghat located between the main Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road) and the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, just southeast of Red Fort, lies the cremation site of the Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
National Gandhi Museum
(Rashtriya Gandhi Sangrahalaya)
National Gandhi Museum, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, has a long story behind its establishment. The work on this museum started in Mumbai soon after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 1948. Efforts were made to collect all the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi including personal relics, manuscripts, books, journals, documents, photographs, audio-visual material and anything that related to the life, philosophy and work of Gandhiji.
Around early 1951, the work shifted to Delhi, with the museum first being set up in the Government hutments adjacent to the Kota House. Afterwards, Delhi National Gandhi Museum was shifted in 1957 the old mansion at 5, Mansingh Road and finally, in 1959, to the place where it now stands. Situated opposite Rajghat, this two-story museum was inaugurated on January 30, 1961 by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Also known as 'Gandhi Memorial Museum of Delhi, it comprises of five pavilions consisting of sculpture, photographs and paintings of Gandhiji, history of Satyagraha movement, along with the philosophy of 'ahimsa' (non-violence). Other collections of the museum include a stone bowl, a brass plate, the clothes Gandhiji was wearing on the day of his assassination, his wooden sandals, etc. National Gandhi Museum also houses a library and an information center.
Source: Wikipedia
Click here for Photo Features
|
