Kirti Mandir is one of the famous tourist destinations of Porbandar. This place holds great religious significance as it is said to be the birth place of Sudama, the best friend and devotee of Lord Krishna.
The Kirti Mandir is situated close to the ancient Haveli belonging to the Gandhi family. Also known as the "Temple of Peace", the Kirti Mandir is counted amongst the popular monuments of the nation.
In the year 1950 Shri Nanji Kalidas and Shri Puru Shotam Mistry, in reverence to Mahatma Gandhi, renovated the building, adding a new dimension to the place. This building has three stories. A symbol of Swastik, in one of the rooms in the ground floor of the building, demarcates the actual place where Gandhi took birth. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi lived here till the age of twelve. The upper story of the temple which houses Gandhi's room and a Gandhian library is connected by a wooden staircase. There is also a big prayer room, a nursery and a spire.
The spire has a vast collection of pictures depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also has various pictures of his wife Kasturba Gandhi. The walls of the temple are decorated with 79 Diyas (lamps). These Diyas symbolize the age of the great leader at the time of his death. Navi Khadi, the birthplace of Kasturba Gandhi, is located just beside the Kirti Mandir.
The visitors coming to Porbandar visit the place to get a glimpse of Gandhi's life. The book stall built within the Kirti Mandir, has a vast selection of Gandhian books for the visitors to choose from. The place is well connected, with road, air and rail network. The best time to visit the place is the months from March to October.
The great historical and religious significance of the Kirti Mandir has shown a great influx of tourists in recent years.
Last Updated on 19th January 2013
Places to Visit in Gujarat
