Kirti Mandir
| Place | Porbandar |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1950 |
| Museum Type | Biographical and Memorial (Historic House) |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Kasturba Rd, Bhatia Bazar Old, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575 |
| Visiting Time | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Open daily) |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Kirti Mandir is the memorial temple built adjacent to the ancestral house where Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869. The memorial was commissioned by Nanji Kalidas Mehta and completed in 1950. The complex integrates the 300-year-old original haveli with a modern temple structure, symbolizing the integration of all religions—a core tenet of Gandhi’s philosophy. It serves as a global pilgrimage site for those studying the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
General Collections
The museum houses a gallery of rare photographs documenting Gandhi's life, from his childhood in Porbandar to his years in South Africa and the Indian Independence movement. The collection includes personal items, spinning wheels (charkhas), and a library of Gandhian literature.
Unique Historical Collections
The most significant "artifact" is the Birthplace (Suda) within the original three-story haveli, where the exact spot of Gandhi's birth is marked with a swastika on the floor. The memorial wing also features 79 oil paintings representing various phases of his life, specifically commissioned to match his age at the time of his martyrdom.
Additional Information
| Archaeological Survey of India | Yes |
|---|---|
| Notes | The architecture of the 79-foot tall memorial spire incorporates elements of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi temples, as well as features from churches and mosques, reflecting Gandhi's respect for all faiths. |
| Artifacts | Gandhi's personal charkha; Hand-written letters and manuscripts; Original household utensils from the Gandhi family; Vintage photographs of Putlibai and Karamchand Gandhi; Commemorative coins and stamps. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | +91 286 224 4541 |
Artifact Gallery