Kirti Mandir is an impressive memorial temple complex near the Vishwamitri that serves as the royal cenotaph of the Gaekwad dynasty. Architecturally, the stone structure is laid out in the shape of the letter “E”, with terraces, balconies, small domes and a central shikhara rising about 35 metres. The shikhara is crowned with bronze representations of the sun, moon, earth and an undivided map of India. Inside, marble-clad halls are decorated with striking murals by artist Nandalal Bose, depicting scenes such as the Ganga’s descent, episodes from the Mahabharata and the life of Meera. The atmosphere is quiet and dignified, with limited public access, so when open it offers a rare, intimate experience of royal remembrance, art and architecture in one space. For heritage enthusiasts, Kirti Mandir is a key stop to understand Vadodara’s royal identity beyond its main palace.
About this place
History & highlights
Kirti Mandir was built in 1936 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III as part of his diamond jubilee celebrations and as a memorial to his ancestors of the Gaekwad family. The complex functions as a cenotaph rather than an active temple, enshrining urns of deceased royals and honouring their memory. The murals by Nandalal Bose were added in the 1940s and are now regarded as important works of modern Indian art. In recent years, age and flooding have caused structural issues, and the royal family has initiated a careful restoration with heritage experts to protect both the building and its paintings for future generations.
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