IRMT: NICHOLAS ROERICH AND DEVIKA RANI
SAMADHI PLACE
Nicholas Roerich passed away on 13th of December, 1947, on the auspicious for Hindus day of Shiva.
Helena Roerich wrote:
"The day of cremation was exceptionally beautiful. Not a single breath of
wind, and all surrounding mountains were clad in a fresh snowy attire. Local people assembled a huge pyre from deodar wood, profusely poured with
the aromatic oils. When his stretchers, covered with white flowers, were put on the pyre, and
the fire was lit up from four sides, a huge flame, like wings, seized him,
hiding him from us, and rushed upwards, to the serene bluishness...
Big, beautiful piece of rock has been placed on the cremation ground. Below
the sign of the Banner of Peace it is engraved in Hindi language: “The body of Maharishi Nicholas Roerich, a great friend of India, was consecrated to fire on this spot on the 15th of December 1947. OM RAM...
...Pure souls depart before the darkness sets in, and their Images remain as the only torchbearers in the shade of coming disasters..."
The most exciting and solemn views over the Kullu valley, the surrounding mountains and the sacred Gephang, which the Roerichs called "Mountain M", are opened for the visitor from the Samadhi place. IRMT takes especial care about this site and kindly requests the visitors to keep silence here and to preserve the beauty and purity of this place.
During each celebration held at the Trust, it is already a tradition, that high dignitaries participating at the function, first of all pay their tribute at the Samadhi of Nicholas Roerich. Only after this, the function starts - with the blessings of the great master Nicholas Roerich...
Samadhi of Devika Rani
According to her own wish, Devika Rani Roerich wanted her ashes to be
divided into 3 parts - one to be left in Bangalore near her husband,
Svetoslav Roerich, another part to be dispersed in Beas river, and the last
part to be buried under her favorite lime trees at the Samadhi ground of her
great father-in-law. Devika Rani's will was fulfilled — after her demise,
part of her ashes was placed to the enclosure under one of the old lime
trees, and simple piece of rock put on the top. This ceremony was held with
military honours at the end of October 1995. Devika Rani was Christian, so a
Catholic priest was called, and he read prayers from personal Bible of
Devika Rani which was kept in the Roerich House at Naggar — the Bible, which
was presented to young Devika by her mother when they were still living in
Kolkata. Also a local Hindu priest was called, who chanted Vedic mantras and
prayers. It was a simple but solemn, and rather private ceremony — almost
all of those who participated in it knew Devika Rani personally.
