In Pics| Mahaparinirvan Divas: PM Modi And Other Leaders Pay Tribute To Dr B R Ambedkar On His 64th Death Anniversary

Because of Ambedkar's stature and contributions to the eradication of untouchability in India, he was considered to be a Buddhist guru. His followers and supporters believe that Ambedkar was as influential, pure and blessed as Lord Buddha. And this is the reason Ambedkar's death anniversary is referred to as Mahaparinirvan Divas.

A blood donation camp was organised in Mumbai on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Dr Ambedkar's mortal remains were cremated at Dadar Chowpatty in Mumbai which is now known as Chaitya Bhoomi.

West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankar pay homage to Dr B R Ambedkar. As per the Buddhist text, i.e. Mahaparinibbana Sutta, the death of Lord Buddha at the age of 80 is considered as the original Mahaparinirvan.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu paid floral tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas today at a brief function in the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. (Photo ANI)

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa paid floral tribute to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Parinirvan is one of the major principles and goals of Buddhism. The Sanskrit term (written in Pali as parinibbana) means "nirvana after death", which refers to the achievement of nirvana after the body dies. (Image PTI)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid tribute to Dr Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Dr Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956, just a few days after completing his last work, The Buddha and His Dhamma. Ambedkar, who had finally converted to Buddhism after studying the religion for years on October 14, 1956, in Nagpur--along with 5,00,000 supporters--was considered to be a Buddhist leader by his followers.

Nation paid homage to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar on his 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas or death anniversary today. A number of functions are being organised all over the country to highlight the contribution of Dr Ambedkar in the nation building. (Photo PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Dr B R Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Sharing his views on Twitter, PM said, "Ambedkar's thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation."