Bhopal Shaurya Smarak – Underground Veterans War Memorial

By George On

The War memorial called Shaurya Smarak at Bhopal is India’s first underground memorial. This veteran’s memorial in Madhya Pradesh state was inaugurated on 14th October 2016, by the honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. ‘Shaurya Smarak’ is a Hindi word, which means ‘Bravery Memorial’ in English.

Bhopal Shaurya Smarak - Underground Veterans War MemorialShaurya Smarak – Underground Veterans War Memorial at Bhopal

This military memorial is spread over an area of 12 acres. The memorial pillar has the names of 280 soldiers who have laid down their lives for India from the state of Madhya Pradesh. There is a light and sound show. There is a beautiful garden above the underground memorial.

There is an art gallery inside the memorial. There are medals, monuments, paintings, etc. Aircraft and weapons are also on display. There is a souvenir shop inside this Museum Gallery.

The National War Museum or the National War Memorial, is divided into four zones: Jeevan, Yudh ka Rangmanch, Mrityu, and Mrityu par Vijay. Each of these depicts the four stages of life. Yudh ka Rangmanch is a spider’s web-like circular structure depicting wars made using rough stones. Mrityu is designed so that an earthen lamp amidst the darkness will make the visitor feel the silence of death. Mrityu par Vijay zone has lights representing the souls of soldiers, coming out of a water floor.

The beautiful garden above the underground war memorial has an Amphitheater and a holographic flame. The red structure at the entrance looks like ‘Namaskar’. There is also a drop of blood from the exit to mark the sacrifice of soldiers.

The war memorial at Bhopal is one of its kind in India and is a must-see war monument in India. Visitors can light lamps here to pay their respects to those who have sacrificed their lives for their mother country.

How Do I Go to Bhopal War Memorial, Shaurya Smarak?

Shaurya Smarak at Bhopal, the National war memorial, is close to the State Secretariat. Bhopal is well connected by all modes of transport to other parts of the country. There is an airport and railway station in Bhopal.