The Famous Kirti Mandir at Vadodara in Gujarat State in India

Vadodara is one of the most important cities of the Gujarat state in India. This is due to its cosmopolitan nature as people from all over India have come and settled here due to various types of core industries at Vadodara. Vadodara has also become a cultural center of the Gujarat State due to the Gaikwad family, who were the rulers of Vadodara till 1947, the year of independence. The royal family has built many unique buildings and the tourist's places here at Vadodara. One of such place built by them is Kirti Mandir, which is situated at the end of Vishwamitri Bridge, near to the famous statue of Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaikwad, who was the last ruler of the Vadodara State.

Sir Sayajirao Gaikwad built this Kirti Mandir or the temple of fame in the year 1936 as a part of celebration of the diamond jubilee of the Baroda State in the memory of his ancestors. This building occupies a vast area of around 8 acres and is built in classical E shape design. Well-known French architect, Dea huan, made its design and is still considered as one of the most unique structures in the field of civil engineering. The building is 33 meters tall. There are sun, moon, and the earth, made in Bronze with the full-undivided map of India, on the top Shikhar of this Kirti Mandir. The meaning of this symbol is that the kingdom of Royal Gaikwad family shall last till the sun, moon and the earth exists. The complete map of India indicates that the area of this Gaikwad State would expand in whole of India. This entire building was built at an expenditure of around Rs.100000 ($2500) in the year 1936, before around 72 years. This can give us some idea on the level of economy and the standard of living during that time. There is a vast open area behind the building, which is covered by beautiful garden. This is the place where all the kings and the family members of the Royal family are cremated. This has been the place reserved for the last resting place of all the family members of the royal family. Maharaja Fatehsinhrao Gaikwad was cremated here last after his death, before around 30 years. The atmosphere of this area is very peaceful and one can get lot of solace by sitting here for few minutes quietly.

The statues and the photographs of all the Gaikwad rulers are kept here at this Kirti Mandir along with the coins, weapons, clothes, and day-to-day items used by them. For example the school bag and the black slate, which was used by the great Shree Sayajirao Gaikwad during his primary school days, are stored here. Over and above this, there is a large picture gallery that has around 34 great wall paintings of the famous Bengali artist Nandlal Bose. The pictures of Mahabharata war, Meera with Lord Krishna, Ganga Avtaran by Lord Shivji, social occasions as celebrated during that time, and some of the rulers of the Vadodara State are kept here. This picture gallery is considered one of the best and unique in the entire country of India. The most beautiful rangoli exhibition is held here at this Kirti Mandir on every Diwali days. This exhibition is held in the main hall of the building. This exhibition is really worth visiting as one can view the most unique rangolis here during that exhibition.

The Kirti Mandir remains open for the public view from 9 am to 12 noon and 2.30 pm to 5.0 pm on every working day of the week except Sundays. The entry is free for all. I have been able to see the Kirti Mandir in great details as I myself belong to this great cultural city of India. I would strongly suggest all my friends and readers to visit this treasure of art and architecture during their next visit to Vadodara.