The Great's Memorial

On the banks of Yamuna are a few revered Memorials.

 

RAJ GHAT

A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notables like Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others. Two museums dedicated to Gandhiji are nearby.

 

VEER BHOOMI

To commemorate Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi son of Indira Gandhi, Vir Bhoomi is in the north of Raj Ghat. The design of the memorial consists of two squares in angular relationship signifying the day of birth and day of assassination. The centre of the square is a stone platform with lotus flowers carved in granite stone.

 

SHAKTI STHAL

North again is Shakti Sthal. The memorial of Indira Gandhi, first lady prime minister of India, this is between Raj Ghat and Shanti Van. the primordial elements of nature like earth, rock, tree and water have been used as the main design elements, which has resulted into a unique geological crust of India. The sixteen feet high and sixty tons iron-ore rock symbolises the courage, fortitude and strength of late Indira Gandhi.

SHANTI VANA

This place is the memorial of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India (1947-1964). He was cremated here after his death on 27th May 1964. A great leader and democrat to the core, Nehru was introspective and at times impatient. He is counted among the towering leaders of the world on one hand and is also one of the top 10 writers of the world. Passionately fond of children, his birthday 14th November is celebrated as Children's Day in India. His residence "Teen Murti Bhawan" has now been converted into a museum (see details in museum section).

 

VIJAY GHAT

It is the northmost section of this parkland. It commemorates India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966).