Kirti Mandir, Vadadora - heritage structure and legacy of the Gaikwad dynasty awaiting renovation

Kirti Mandir, Vadadora upload.wikimedia.org

The erstwhile rulers of Baroda were great builders of palatial structures apart  from being  just rulers. they employed well-known British architect to design the buildings to give them better look and remind the future generation of their legacy.  

Kirti Mandir, Vadadora upload.wikimedia.org

Kirti Mandir, also known as the Temple of Fame, close to Vishwamitra Bridge (opp. to SSG hospital), was built  Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas in memory of his great ancestors who ruled the princely state of Baroda with skill and sagacity.   It was in 1875 the Maratha rule commenced  here and  Sayajirao Maharajah was the first ruler of the dynasty. Constructed as  part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Maharajah Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Kirti mandir is dedicated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva) - actually a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.  it is said to have been designed by Sir Edward Lutyens along with the Baroda state architect V R Talwarkar.

Kirti Mandir, Vadadora, GJinditales.com

Kirti Mandir that was  built at the cost of Rs.50,000 is a fine building designed in letter E shape made of  Kota stones. Impressive balconies  balconies, domes  terraces  give it a better look from outside. The interior is well embellished with quality marble stones laid on the walls  and are adorned with intricately carved murals. There are  five wall paintings with religious themes by artist Nandalal Bose showing various phases of battle of Mahabharata, and some episodes from Indian mythology. Quite impressive is the  massive central shikhara that rises to about  35 metres adding majesty to this place.  The massive shikhara of Kirti Mandir is adorned with the sun, the moon and the earth in bronze with the undivided map of India. On the ground floor there  is a big hall with many large rooms. The hall has a bust of Maharajah Syajirao III.  On the first floor the Asthi (ashes) of the departed rulers are kept in urns. 

IN January 2018 the Gujarat government took a decision to renovate and carry out repair work after a pretty long break roughly eight decades. Being an old building,  it developed cracks in many places and some parts showed signs of aging. As it is a heritage building steps were taken by the authorities to renovate the building. They did not fix the time frame but they were particular about seeking the  advice of well trained conservation experts to repair the structure; it could be a costly affair.  In Gujarat, several iconic buildings developed cracks, etc., due to an earthquake in 2001.  

The building remains closed to public all through the year and is open on the day of Diwali  when a Rangoli exhibition is organized. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirti_Mandir,_Vadodara

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/kirti-mandir-to-undergo-major-refurbishment-after-8-decades/articleshow/62715851.cms