Meherabad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meherabad
|
|
|---|---|
|
Pilgrimage Site
|
|
|
Meher Baba's Samadhi Mandir and Sanctum Sanctorum at upper Meherabad
Dhuni worship at lower Meherabad
Dhuni site at lower Meherabad
Memorial Tower at lower Meherabad
Mandali House at Meherazad
Meher Pilgrim Retreat
Museum at upper Meherabad
|
|
 Meherabad
Location in Maharashtra
Meherabad
Location in India
|
|
| Country | India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Ahmednagar |
| Elevation | 672 m (2,205 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN |
414001
|
Meherabad is a special spiritual place in Arangaon village, India. It's about 9 kilometers south of Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. This site is very important to followers of Meher Baba, an Indian Spiritual Master. Meherabad is home to his Samadhi Mandir, which is like a tomb or shrine. Meher Baba first started Meherabad as an ashram (a spiritual community) in 1923.
Contents
Remembering Meher Baba: Amartithi
Every year on January 31, a special event called Amartithi is held at Meherabad. This day remembers when Meher Baba was laid to rest on January 31, 1969. The word "Amartithi" means "deathless day." It can also mean "eternal date."
Many people come to Meherabad for this three-day event. Around 10,000 to 20,000 visitors stay overnight. About 30,000 to 40,000 people visit during the day. They come from all over the world.
Amartithi is celebrated by Meher Baba's followers globally. It is a very important holiday for them. Other key days include "Silence Day" (July 10), "Christmas Day" (December 25), and "Meher Baba's Birthday" (February 25).
The main part of Amartithi happens on January 31. Everyone gathers and observes silence for 15 minutes. This silence honors Meher Baba's passing at 12:15 p.m. on January 31, 1969. During Amartithi, Meher Baba's flag flies over Meherabad.
Sacred Fire: The Dhuni
A sacred fire ceremony called the Dhuni is held every month. This happens on the 12th day of each month. The Dhuni fire is honored at a special site in lower Meherabad.
The Memorial Tower
Meher Baba himself laid the first stone for the Memorial Tower. This happened on December 23, 1944. The tower was officially opened in December 2019. It was designed by architect Ted Judson. The tower stands on land that Meher Baba made sacred. Inside the tower, you can find the names of Meher Baba's followers who have passed away. These names were specially chosen by Meher Baba.
Places to Stay: Pilgrim Retreats
Meherabad has several places for visitors to stay. These include the Meher Pilgrim Center and Meher Pilgrim Retreat. There are also hostels (A-B-C-D), Dharmshala, and Andhra Rest House. These places provide housing for pilgrims.
The Pilgrim Center and Pilgrim Retreat close during the hot Indian summer. They are closed from March 15 to June 15 each year. The Meher Pilgrim Retreat is a large building. It is about 88,000 square feet. It opened on June 15, 2006.
Exploring Meherabad: Key Sites
Meherabad is divided into two main areas: Lower Meherabad and Upper Meherabad. Each area has important sites connected to Meher Baba.
Lower Meherabad Highlights
- Gilori Shah's Tomb: This is the final resting place of Gilori Shah. He was buried here when Meher Baba started his ashram.
- Dhuni Site: The place where the sacred Dhuni fire ceremony takes place.
- Neem Tree and Original Well: An old neem tree and the first well used at Meherabad.
- Meher Baba's Table-House: A small house where Meher Baba lived.
- Meher Baba's Jhopdi: Another simple hut used by Meher Baba.
- Mandali Halls: Buildings used by Meher Baba's close followers.
- Pilgrim Housing: Includes the Meher Pilgrim Center and various hostels.
Upper Meherabad Highlights
- Meher Baba's Samadhi Mandir: This is Meher Baba's tomb. It is the most important site in Meherabad.
- Woman Mandali's Tombs: The burial sites of Meher Baba's female followers.
- Museums: Places where you can learn more about Meher Baba's life and teachings.
- Amphitheaters: Open-air venues used for gatherings and programs.
- Meher Pilgrim Retreat: A large facility for pilgrims to stay.
The Meher Baba Trust
In 1959, Meher Baba created a group called the "Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust" (AMBPPCT). This trust is responsible for many activities at Meherabad. Its main goals are to protect and share Meher Baba's teachings. These teachings focus on love, kindness, and unity. The trust also manages the future development of Meherabad and other related sites. The AMBPPCT office is located near Meherabad.
Helping the Community: Medical Care
The AMBPPCT provides free medical care to people in nearby villages.
- Meher Health Centre: This is a main public health center. It opened in 1975.
- Meher Pilgrim Retreat Dispensary: A clinic that helps pilgrims staying at Meherabad.
- The Meher Hospital: Offers daily check-ups for trust employees and their families.
- Meher Free Dispensary (Homeopathy): Provides free homeopathic treatments.
Learning and Growth: Education
The trust also supports educational programs.
- Meher English School: A school for local children.
- Physical Education Centre: A place for sports and physical activities.
- Spiritual Academy: Focuses on spiritual learning.
Meher Darbar: A Pilgrim's Stop
Meher Darbar is a shop in Meherabad. It is a convenient place for pilgrims to visit. You can find religious items there. It also has an internet cafe. Meher Darbar sells books, magazines, and photos of Meher Baba. You can also find decorative items and clothing accessories.
Meherazad: Another Special Place
Meherazad is another important place connected to Meher Baba. It was originally the home of Meher Baba's close followers. It is located south of Ahmednagar. Visitors can explore the gardens and seclusion hill at Meherazad. It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. There is a shuttle bus service from the Meher Pilgrim Retreat in Meherabad to Meherazad.
Images for kids
- Meherabad
-
Pilgrims during Amartithi
-
Meher Baba's Tomb inside view
-
Pilgrims at Amartithi
-
Pilgrims at Memorial Tower
