Surrounded by an aura of calmness and tranquility, Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad owes it’s origin to the historical Dandi March. Located between a prison and a cemetery, Mahatma Gandhi chose this place for his residence for he believed that a satyagrahi is destined to die at either of the two.
Prominent establishments within this ashram are Gandhi Memorial Museum, Magann Niwas, Hriday Kunj, Vinoba Mira Kutir, Udyog Mandir, Somnath Chhatralaya and Upasana Mandir. Let’s walk through these historical pillars and revive interest in the era of independence within you!
Gandhi Memorial Museum
Mahatma Gandhi holds a strong sentimental value among the people of India. One of the most popular unit of the Ashram, this museum exhibits various artefacts related to Gandhi’s life. It was inaugurated in 1953 by the the then Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and consists of three galleries – the Ahmedabad Gallery, My Life is My Message Gallery and a Painting Gallery. Each gallery depicts a different phase of Gandhi’s life. A library is also located within this museum stocked with various personal letters and photographs of Gandhi on display.
Magan Nivas
Magan Nivas is named after Mahatma Gandhi’s nephew, who was also one of his true followers. He was often symbolised as the soul of this Ashram, and Magan Niwas is the place where he resided. An architect and an efficient manager, it was he who introduced the various upgraded versions of the spinning wheel which ultimately gave birth to Khadi, and its manufacture in India.
Hriday Kunj
Hriday Kunj was the place of residence of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. It has six rooms, constituting mainly the kitchen, guest room, store room and a special secretariat chamber. This Kunj was often the venue for significant meetings and assembly ground for eminent personalities. Original relics relating to Mahatma Gandhi’s day-to-day life are still on display here for the history buff in you.
Location and Entry
Other prominent establishments at this museum include the residence of Lady Vinobha Bhave a.k.a Mira – Vinoba Mira Kutir, the temple of Industry – Udyog Mandir, an in-house school – Somnath Chhatralaya and Upasana Mandir – a place where Gandhi Ji held prayers for his disciplines from the Ashram. With each having its own special place, this Ashram is a must visit for all tourists and residents of Ahmedabad.
Located on the banks of Sabarmati River, Sabarmati Ashram is 4 miles from the city town hall.
Address : Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027
Entry Timings : 08:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee : No Entry Fee
