My visit to Gandhiji's Ancestral home at Porbandar in Gujrat

Most of the Indians Still think of Mahatma Gandhi as the real Birth of god. It is true also to some extent, as India would not have got freedom without him. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2^nd October in the year 1869 in Porbandar, one of the cities of Gujarat State. The house where Gandhiji was born is called Kirti Mandir and is converted in to the national monument and many visitors visit this holy place in Porbandar everyday.

Kirti Mandir is situated in the middle of the city of Porbandar. It remains open for visitors on all days between 7.30 am to 1pm in the morning and 2 pm to 7 pm in the evening. As soon as you enter Kirti Mandir, the left hand corner is the actual birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The free guide service is available to see this house. The exact place of birth is marked with a small painting of swastika on the floor. This room consists of a Gaumukh that is considered very holy in Hindu religion. There is a kitchen and the puja room of the grandmother of Gandhiji. There is an old design staircase going to first floor. Be very careful while climbing this staircase as it is maintained in the same condition that was before around 160 years.

The left hand side room on the first floor is a bedroom of Gandhiji's parents and a central kitchen of the house. This was the place where Gandhiji had learnt to walk and run. The further staircase will take you to the second floor. The room on the left hand side is his study room. Gandhiji's father was a minister in the Porbandar State. That is the reason their house is quiet big and is having three floors in all. The pictures of Lord Vishnu's ten births, painted by Gandhiji's father Karamchand can be seen even today. 1995 in the whole country of India. Gandhiji and his father perhaps already visualized this event before around 150 years. The house on the second floor has two main sections. Gandhiji's father used the front part of the house as the office and the family used the part behind as their residence.

                                             Gandhiji's Reading room

Mahatma Gandhi's birth place at Porbandar in Gujarat State have been preserved in the same condition as it was before 160 years. That is why it is interesting to see this holy place.

My trip to Gujrat with my family was an unforgettable one and was very lucky to visit the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhiji.I hope that you also visit this beautiful place some time in your life time.

with regards,

DIVYA.R.C