Kirti Mandir
History and Commemoration: The Kirti Mandir (Temple of Fame) was built in 1936 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of his reign (60 years) and, more importantly, to honor the memory of the deceased members of the royal Gaekwad dynasty. The name 'Kirti Mandir' literal ly means 'Temple of Fame' or 'Tower of Glory.' Purpose: The monument is a memorial hall that also serves as a place of worship, originally consecrated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva). It houses relics, belongings, and memorabilia of the royal family, including rare coins, weapons, and personal items, though the collection is often moved for conservation. Artistic Significance: The monument is also famous for its interior decorations, which include magnificent murals by the renowned Bengal School artist Nandalal Bose. These murals depict scenes from the Mahabharata (Battle of Kurukshetra), the life of Meera Bai, and the myth of Gangavataran (Descent of the Ganga).
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 1. 5 Hours (excluding travel time)Place Type:
Memorial, Heritage, Architectural, ArtEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee. Entry to the monument and the main hall to view the murals is generally free for all visitors. This makes it a very accessible heritage site.
Camera Fee: No photography fee for still cameras, but flash photography ...Entry Fee: No Entry Fee. Entry to the monument and the main hall to view the murals is generally free for all visitors. This makes it a very accessible heritage site.
Camera Fee: No photography fee for still cameras, but flash photography inside the hall is strictly prohibited to protect the priceless murals from degradation.
Donations: Donations are accepted for the upkeep of the memorial and the small Shiva shrine, but they are entirely voluntary.
Guided Tour: No official in-house guide is available, so visitors are advised to read up beforehand or hire a private city guide.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is generally open daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The Late Morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) is the best time for viewing the murals, as the interior is usually well-lit by natural light without the ...Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is generally open daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The Late Morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) is the best time for viewing the murals, as the interior is usually well-lit by natural light without the harshness of midday sun.
Afternoon: The post-lunch hours are often quieter, offering a more peaceful environment for reflection and contemplation of the art.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour to 1. 5 hours is usually sufficient to explore the building and the art collection properly.Special Events:
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III's Birth Anniversary: The anniversary of the Maharaja's birth and the date of the Diamond Jubilee often see small, official ceremonies, memorial services, and floral tributes by the royal family or the state government.
Read MoreMaharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III's Birth Anniversary: The anniversary of the Maharaja's birth and the date of the Diamond Jubilee often see small, official ceremonies, memorial services, and floral tributes by the royal family or the state government.
Art and Heritage Exhibitions: Given the significance of the murals, the monument occasionally serves as a venue for art conservation workshops or heritage lectures during city-wide art festivals.
Maha Shivratri Celebration: As it is consecrated to Lord Shiva, the Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated with traditional rituals, Aarti, and a large gathering of devotees and local residents.Best Photo Spots:
Wide-Angle of the 'E' Shaped Structure: A wide-angle shot that captures the entire facade and the high shikhara, showcasing the distinct 'E' shaped ground plan of the monument.
Close-up of the Symbolic Finial: A zoomed-in or telephoto shot f...Wide-Angle of the 'E' Shaped Structure: A wide-angle shot that captures the entire facade and the high shikhara, showcasing the distinct 'E' shaped ground plan of the monument.
Close-up of the Symbolic Finial: A zoomed-in or telephoto shot focusing on the unique finial atop the shikhara (the Sun, Moon, and India map), highlighting its political and artistic significance.
The Nandalal Bose Murals: Photographs of the large interior wall paintings, ensuring they are captured without flash and in good detail, especially the dramatic battle scenes.
Framing with the Arches: Use the building's outer arches or pillars to frame the central structure or the shikhara against the sky. (Approx. )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Viewing the Nandalal Bose Murals: The primary activity is to spend time viewing and appreciating the monumental murals inside the hall. Focus on the details of the Mahabharata battle scene and the life stories of Meera Bai and Ganga.
Admiring the Indo-Saracenic Architecture: Circumnavigate the building to observe its unique 'E' shaped plan and the details of the jharokhas and other architectural features. Pay special attention to the symbolic finial on the shikhara.
Seeking Blessings at the Shiva Shrine: Offer quiet prayers or contemplation at the shrine of Lord Mahadev (Shiva), reflecting its original purpose as a place of royal worship.
Photography of the Symbolism: Capture the Shikhara from a distance, attempting to highlight the unique symbolic finial (map ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Royal Memorial: It is the principal memorial to the departed members of the powerful Gaekwad royal dynasty, making it a place of great historical significance for the former Baroda State.
Nandalal Bose Murals: The most unique and famous aspe...Royal Memorial: It is the principal memorial to the departed members of the powerful Gaekwad royal dynasty, making it a place of great historical significance for the former Baroda State.
Nandalal Bose Murals: The most unique and famous aspect is the presence of the original large-scale murals by one of India's most celebrated modern artists, Nandalal Bose. These artworks are cultural treasures.
Symbolic Finial: The monument is recognized for its profound symbolism, particularly the crest atop the Shikhara featuring the Sun, Moon, and the map of India, which carries a strong political and philosophical meaning. -
Architecture:
Architectural Style and Design: Kirti Mandir is another excellent example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style favored by the Gaekwad rulers, blending traditional Hindu temple features with elements of Islamic and European design.
Key Struc...Architectural Style and Design: Kirti Mandir is another excellent example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style favored by the Gaekwad rulers, blending traditional Hindu temple features with elements of Islamic and European design.
Key Structural Features: The structure is distinctly built in the shape of the letter 'E' in its plan. It is characterized by its high Shikhara (spire), decorated jharokha windows, and finials. The interior is generally marble-washed, providing a clean, bright backdrop for the murals.
Dimension and Symbolism: The most symbolically significant feature is the Shikhara's unique finial. This crest is often described as depicting the Sun, Moon, and the Undivided Map of India, a powerful nationalistic and symbolic statement by Maharaja Sayajirao III in the pre-Independence era. The murals themselves are large-scale artworks that cover significant wall space inside. -
How To Reach:
By Air (Approx. 7 KMS) Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Vadodara Airport (BDQ) to Dandia Bazar. The temple is near the Vishwamitri Bridge. By Train (Approx. 2 KMS) Arrive at Vadodara Junction Railway Station (BRC). The monument is a very short auto-rickshaw ride away, easily accessible from th... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sursagar Lake (1 KM), Khanderao Market (1. 5 KMS), Nyaya Mandir (1 KM), Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery (2 KMS), Sayaji Baug (2 KMS), Laxmi Vilas Palace (3 KMS), Kirti Stambh (1 KM), Aurobindo Ashram (1 KM), Tambekar Wada (0. 5 KM), EME Temple (4 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not use flash photography inside the mural hall. Wear light layers. The structure is old, so watch out for uneven steps and floors.
Packing: Carry a camera (no flash allowed). A pair of binoculars can be useful for exa...
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