Kirti Mandir

Front exterior view of Kirti Mandir memorial shrine near Eastin Residences Vadodara

This memorial to Gandhi was built in 1950. Reflecting Gandhi’s age when he died, it’s 79ft high and has 79 candle holders; symbols from all the world’s major religions are incorporated. There’s a small bookshop and photographic exhibition (take the stairs by the entrance). Next door is Gandhi’s birthplace – a three-storey, 220-year-old house. He was born here on 2 October 1869 (the very spot is marked on the floor by a swastika), and it was his home till the ripe old age of six. The house is an interesting warren of 22 rooms.