About Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Gujarat :
Kirti Mandir, also known as the ‘Temple of Fame’ is an important structure as well as popular religious sightseeing attraction of Porbandar. It was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III in 1936 AD. This temple is adjacent to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and comprises his memorial along with a library having books on Gandhism, a prayer hall, a children’s nursery, and a spinning hall. At this temple, prayers of all faiths are organized on a regular basis.
Structure of Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Gujarat :
The complete structure of this temple is E-shaped and comprises domes, terraces, balconies, and a sikhara. This sikhara is 33 m high and is constructed in Hindu style of architecture. The temple interiors are marble finished and said to be the cenotaph of the Gaekwads. At the planetarium, regular shows are held to pay tribute to the India’s Non-Alignment policy. It also includes regular programs on astronomy. At its entrance, there is also a photo panel that displays pictures of several historic events.
Gujarat Kirti Mandir is a majestic monumental building, popularly known as the Temple of Fame. Kirti Mandir, Porbandar was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III in 1936 AD. Kirti Mandir is an ‘E’ shaped building that consists of the following structures:
- A domes
- A terraces
- A number of balconies
- A central sikhara
The ‘sikhara’ of the Kirti Mandir of Porbandar is 33 meters high and constructed in the Hindu style. It cost Rs 50,000 to construct the graceful Kirti Mandir at Porbandar. The interior of this elegant structure of Gujarat Kirti Mandir is marble finished and considered to be the cenotaph of the Gaekwads.
History of Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Gujarat :
The original three storied house is built like a Haveli, purchased by the great grand father of Mahatmaji, Shri Harjivan Raidas Gandhi, some two hundred years before, in the seventeenth century, from a local woman and the upper stories were added over the years. It was this house where Gandhiji’s father Karamchand, uncle, Tulsidas and grandfather Uttamchand lived, who had all been Prime Ministers (Dewan) to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state of Porbandar.
The foundation stone of modern structure and attractive Kirti Mandir was laid in 1947 during the lifetime of Gandhiji by Shree Darbar Gopaldas Desai. The whole credit of constructing this national memorial of Mahatma Gandhiji goes to the famous industrialist, Nanjibahi Kalidas Mehta, who not only initiated the idea to build a memorial but also donated the whole money purchase the ancestral house and also to build new complex called Kirti Mandir.
The memorial was completed in 1950, by which time Gandhiji was no more. The memorial was named Kirti Mandir and then Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inaugurated and declared open this place for public on May 27, 1950. Afterwards this beautiful memorial was handed over to the Central Government of India.
The height of the temple is of 79 feet symbolizes the 79 years of lifespan of Gandhiji. The monument Kirti Mandir is symbol of religious integration of six religions, the architectural elements of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi temple, Church and Mosque are symbolized at Kirti Mandir integrate, which symbolize Gandhiji’s respect towards all religion.
The whole the architecture of the Kirti Mandir was done by Shri Prushottambhai Mistry, a resident of Porbandar. He completed construction within two years of time limit by working for days and night himself.
How to Reach :
By road: ST and private buses come here from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Dwarka, Veraval, Jamnagar and Junagadh, among others.
By rail: Porbandar has a railway station which has connecting trains to places like Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Timing : 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm
Entry Fees : INR 3 per person