Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Ahmedabad

Quit India! Quit India! The loud voices rang through the still night piercing it like the staccato burst of machine gun fire. Suddenly the dark night was awash with brilliant light, what seemed like a giant bonfire erupted in the distance.

“Volunteers walked from house to house, collecting clothes made from foreign fabric and the entire community would collect to light a spectacular bonfire of the clothes”. A baritone voice drawled on. But my eyes were transfixed on the brilliant display of light that represented the bonfire of foreign clothes that was a watershed incident in the history of India’s Independence struggle.

I was at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, India. It was a warm summer night and cool breeze flew from across the Sabarmati river banks, bringing some respite after a long and sweltering day. I was seated in an open-air auditorium and was enthralled by the Son et Lumiere or Sound & Light show that showcased the events preceding India’s Independence and the pivotal role that the Gandhi Ashram played in the series of events that shaped the future of a nation that we now all know as India.

Sabarmati Ashram

My first visit to the Sabarmati Ashram was as a kid and it left a deep impression on my young mind. Till then Mahatma Gandhi was for me a person about whom we learned in history books, a person to be revered, a person, the picture of whose frail and bespectacled face was found splashed across currency notes and postage stamps. But the serenity of Sabarmati Ashram seemed to touch the very core of my being and I felt a strange bond with the man who had changed the course of Indian history. It was much later that I read Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, “My Experiments With Truth“, and I was able to appreciate the sheer power of the frail man who moved nations with his grit and determination.

The History of Gandhi Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram which is also referred to as Mahatma Gandhi Ashram or simply as Gandhi Ashram was an epicenter of power and a very important place that influenced events that finally culminated in the Independence of India on the 15th of August, 1947. It was in the year 1917 that the Gandhi Ashram was born, which means that 2017 marks 100 years of Sabarmati Ashram. The Ashram was built on the banks of the river Sabarmati and served as Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Ahmedabad. He stayed here with his wife Kasturba for a period of 12 eventful years.

Sabarmati Ashram

It was from the Sabarmati Ashram that the famous Dandi March also referred to as the Salt Satyagraha was launched in the year 1930. The Dandi March was one of the events that acted as a catalyst in speeding up the Independence of India. It is also interesting to note that the site where the Sabarmati Ashram stands is supposed to be the place where one of the Ashrams of a famous sage called Dadhichi in Hindu mythology is supposed to have existed.

Sabarmati Ashram Information

The Museum

Today, the Gandhi Ashram or Sabarmati Ashram is a National Monument and is a museum dedicated to the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. Life-size paintings, enlarged photos, and other visual aids bring alive in vivid color the life of the philosopher, saint, and freedom fighter that the world knew as Mahatma Gandhi. The life of Mahatma Gandhi from his birth in the small town of Porbandar in Gujarat, to his life as a lawyer and fight against racism in South Africa, his plunge into the Indian freedom struggle, his many famous Satyagrahas, India’s tryst with destiny and the attainment of Independence, and finally the poignant moment when an assassin’s bullet put a full stop to his life, is depicted through visuals in the elegantly designed museum known as Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya.

Apart from the museum which was a later addition and built in the year 1963, the Gandhi Ashram also has in its premises the quarters that housed the Mahatma, his family, and visitors. The different quarters that can be visited are listed as under:

Hriday Kunj

This is the spartan quarters where Mahatma Gandhi stayed with his wife Kasturba from 1918 to 1930. This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi met many National and International leaders who sought his audience. Many of his personal items, some originals, and some replicas can be seen in Hriday Kunj.

Sabarmati Ashram

This includes his famous Charkha or spinning wheel, the same wheel with which he finely spun Independence for India from British rule.

Vinoba-Mira Kutir

Sabarmati Ashram

This is a small hut where the famous Indian advocate for Non-violence and Human Rights stayed for some time during his visit to the Ashram. At a different time, the same hut also housed Mirabehn also known as Madeline Slade, a British woman who left her home to work with Mahatma Gandhi.

Magan  Niwas

This was the quarters where Maganlal Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s nephew, and the able manager of the Ashram stayed.

Nandini

This was the quarters where guests were put up in the Ashram. Many national and international leaders have stayed here.

Prayer Grounds

The prayer grounds are a tranquil space with the merry chirping of birds and the leaves rustling in the trees. The strains of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite song, “Vaishnava Jan To“, lend an aura of calm and spirituality to the already blissful ambiance. As you walk through the prayer grounds, you can imagine the devotion of the prayers led by Mahatma Gandhi as he prepared his next mass movement in the struggle for Independence.

Take a virtual tour of the Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad here:

Mahatma Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

This is the official website of Gandhi Ashram, Sabarmati. It was one of the many residences (1917-30) of Mahatma Gandhi, located at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Important Information for Visitors to Sabarmati Ashram

  • Sabarmati Ashram is situated in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, a western state of India
  • Ahmedabad is an international airport and connected to all major cities of India
  • The Sabarmati Ashram timings are from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM and it is open on all days including public holidays
  • There is no entrance fee charged
  • Photography is permitted in the Ashram
  • Smoking and carrying or use of Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the Ashram premises
  • Visitors are expected to exercise propriety in behavior to ensure that the sanctity of the premises is not compromised

Hotels Near Sabarmati Ashram

For travelers wishing to stay near the Sabarmati Ashram, there are multiple options. Some of the hotels include Hotel Silver Cloud, The Metropole, and Starottel Ahmedabad.

In and Around Ahmedabad

When you are in Ahmedabad you may also want to check out some of the other attractions which include the following:

Conclusion

No visit to Ahmedabad would be ever complete without a pilgrimage to Sabarmati Ashram. I have forgotten the number of times that I have visited this hallowed place. Every time I enter the precincts of the Ashram, its serene and positive vibrations touch the core of my heart and I feel strangely transformed. No wonder that this is the place where a man whom the world knows simply as Gandhi lived and shaped the destiny of the world for 12 years!

Have you been to Gandhi ashram? How was the experience?

PinitSabarmati Ashram - Mahatma Gandhi's Home in Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi

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83 thoughts on “Sabarmati Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi’s Home in Ahmedabad”

  1. What an awesome experience. Gandhi was such a beacon of hope for people around the world. It must have been so humbling to be there. Thanks for sharing such details as the hours it is open and that there is no fee to explore.

  2. Gandhi always been such an inspiration for me. I hope to visit this place as soon as possible. I think when you visit a place like this it will change you, for better. Thanks for sharing important details like hours and entrance fee.

  3. I have been there twice and yet not satiated fully. There is so much of calmness all around that place. And the river flowing by… I could stand and gaze for hours. Great info shared with the post.

  4. The start of the blog post was absolutely amazing. I love the way you have described the events that have influenced India’s freedom struggle and connected them with Gandhi Ashram. I am sure many readers weren’t aware of the importance of the Ashram. I have worked in Gujarat Government as a communication consultant and have frequented Gandhi ashram so I know, this place deserves an entire day from the tourist for all the reasons you mentioned.

  5. This seems to be a really atmospheric place. I admire Gandhi and love how he inspired so many people to think and act more peacefully. Thank you for providing such detailed information on how to find this place! I never even would have known it existed!

  6. What a historical home to visit. Gandhi was such a important and wonderful man. Wonderful you had the opportunity to visit and see the area.

  7. It is amazing to read your story and how deeply moved you were visiting the Ashram. Gandhi is larger than life to me and I can imagine that I would feel the same being in a special place where he was.

  8. Pam Wattenbarger

    Gandhi was such a powerful figure in Indian history. He’s such an inspiration and a visit to Sabarmati Ashram must be such a powerful experience.

  9. If there was anyone the world needed now to inspire love, peace, and understanding, it is Gandhi. It must have felt absolutely amazing to explore his home–what a humbling experience.

  10. What an amazing place – so much history and so much to learn about this amazing human being. It’s fantastic that it offers free entry to allow everyone to see it. I hope I can visit one day too!

  11. This is so interesting. I have no plans to visit this part of the world but I’ve got a friend planning a trip so I will pass this along to them. They are more world travelers than I am.

  12. wow, I can only imagine how it must have felt walking through here again! you describe it so beautifully, I would love to go here and admire his work!

  13. I didn’t know there is a Mahatma Gandhi tour, this is so very interesting. To learn a piece of history, to see the places in which he used to stay, it couldn’t get any better than that. Gandhi is a world-renowned public figure, I grew up hearing many good things about him, about what he’s done, but I think this is the first time I’d been given a glimpse of his past. It’s such a joy to read.

  14. Wow, I didn’t know you could visit his house! This would certainly be fascinating. I’ve recently read some unsavoury things about the guy but I’m hoping they’re untrue!

  15. This is now a place I will surely visit when we finally make it to India. Ghandi is such a grand figure of non-violence and peace, I respect what he did for his people and the world. Thank you for sharing

  16. This is a place I’d love to explore. Such history to digest, free admission, and just very inspiring. What an awesome experience you had there! A lot of us respect and look up to Gandhi, I’d definitely go there if I have the chance!

  17. Loved visiting Sabarmati Ashram ages ago during a transitional period in life. I must say the visit did have a wonderful and calming effect on me. M.K.Gandhi was an inspirational personality and his teachings can still be relevant in today’s world.

  18. I am not a big fan of Gandhi. But I remember this place moved me when I visited it few years ago. The place silenced me and made me reflect. It is an important place in the history of India. Many big decisions were made here. My father is a Gandhi fan and I want him to visit it.

  19. A fascinating place and a fascinating man that’s played such a crucial role. Definitely would be an incredible experience. Another thing to add to the India bucket list!

  20. This surely is a must-see for anyone visiting Gujarat. For that matter any history buff too. Such intense yet soulful history here. Thanks to the great man!

  21. Great tips and a mini history lesson as well! I’ve never been to India but I would absolutely add this to my itinerary as I have always been inspired by Gandhi and feel like this would be a great learning experience for myself and my family!

  22. I don’t know a lot about Gandhi but certainly respect and honor him for his beliefs and influence on the world. What an interesting post. I do hope my path takes me here someday…

  23. Wow! What an interesting post! We must admit that we don’t know much about Ghandi, other than what we briefly learned from our history books back in highschool! We’ve never been to India, but would definitely love to visit the museum and the different quarters to know more! Thanks for sharing all the informations!

  24. I guess it’s no surprise that Gandhi’s home would be preserved or memorialized in some way. I must say it bothers me a bit when I see famous people treated somewhat like a saint, and the place treated as holy, but Gandhi was indeed a very spiritual person and his influence ranges wide. I’m glad that people can visit his dwelling.

  25. Wow! What an interesting read. I’ve read of Ghandi severally but reading from someone who visited his musuem gives me another view, history class is harsh but this comes with peace of mind. I love India, it’s history is fascinating and they get to celebrate it at every given opportunity. They also celebrate their heros accordingly. Thanks to Ghandi for the India of today.

  26. I’ve never been in India but the life of Mahatma Ghandi inspired me at school already and I wrote even an essay about him. Growing up in peaceful little Switzerland this most bashful and inspiring man was all what I thought, should any politician be. If every visitor of Sabarmati Ashram can take just a little of Ghandi’s peaceful mind with to his or her country, it would make the world a more peaceful place.

  27. Been to Ahmadabad so may times but due to some reason or other could not visit this place.
    Thanks for again put this on priority for me. Will visit for sure in next trip to Ahmadabad.

  28. I’ve only heard about Mahatma Gandhi on history books way back when I was still in school. However, you have successfully re-introduced me to the large impact that he has given in history. This sounds like a great place to visit…

  29. I can just imagine the calmness and peace in this place. It’s wonderful that it’s accessible to travellers. Thanks for giving some tips of other things to do in the area too.

  30. This is a lovely place… Remember it from. My childhood. I love the serene atmosphere here and there is that certain bout of patriotism that hits you when you are here. Well captured

  31. With this being an ashram I imagined I would be able to stay and practice yoga which would have been super cool. However I can still see that this place would be a fascinating place to visit and it is definitely on my list for when I head back to India.

  32. Thanks for making me relive certain memories. I visited it many years ago when I did not even have a camera. But the memories remain vivid in my mind. It is not only about Gandhi but one can learn a great deal about the entire history if that era by spending a few pensive hours at teh Ashram.

  33. Thank you for this post! Mahatma Gandhi has always been one of my favorite historical activists. I would love to visit this place should I ever travel to India. I’m sure its a serene learning experience!

  34. Although my knowledge of Gandhi is limited to the school history textbooks from many years ago (i.e. not much + forgotten most), he is certainly an admirable figure and I’d be keen to learn about him through visiting his home. It must be very inspiring and thanks for sharing with us your story visiting his home!

  35. Definitely putting this on my list for when I finally get to India! I would really love to go to the monument and museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, sounds like such an amazing experience.

  36. The home of the legend of India..I haven’t been there yet. Actually not been to Gujarat yet. But I am planning to soon. And Sabarmati Aashram will definitely be on my list. It’s good that we have preserved this heritage of a place so well. You almost gave us an actual tour through this comprehensive writeup 🙂

  37. Isn’t that the city that got special UNESCO status? and wasn’t there some talk about a Japanese bullet train going form Ahmedabad to Bombay? The ashram for sure looks like a place full of history and will have significance for many in India.

    1. Yes Ahmedabad is the city that got special UNESCO status. There are many more architectural wonders in the city including the Sidi Sayed Jali which is an intricate lattice work in stone inside a mosque.There is a bullet train proposed between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Thanks for reading the post and your comments.

  38. I haven’t been here but knowing Gandhi is one of the holiest one. He has a pure heart and positive vibe all the time. That place indeed where he stayed is so serene, tranquil and full of beauty. I’d like to set foot on the prayer grounds.

  39. I learned a great deal about Gandhi in history and I always thought he was one of the most inspiring of all the historical figures I had learned about. Visiting this museum is a must for anybody who even has a remote interest in Gandhi. Thanks for the visitor info (nearby hotels and such) as well!

  40. What an incredible experience! It must have felt really awesome to explore such historically important sites and to walk in the footsteps of Gandhi so to speak. Great photos and chock full of information, I found your article to be quite helpful!

  41. Really loved your writing style too! The beginning especially got me hooked. This must’ve been such an experience visiting the museum of someone so influential and inspiring. This is why I love traveling. It teaches us so much more than what we learn in our textbooks!

  42. The Sabarmati Ashram looks so interesting. This is the first time I’ve heard of it and so great you have introduced it to me. The house looks so modest and fitting given who he was. Great tips.

  43. It would be such a special experience to visit his home. I got a chance to visit his cell in the jail he was in in South Africa and that was very interesting. They had a whole exhibit built around his life and the work he did.

  44. This is a fantastic post as Gandhi was a huge inspiration. This is something I would absolutely love to visit. For me, he helped to establish my peaceful nature. I probably said this before but I love your writing, I always feel like I’m reading a book.

  45. I always said I wanted to visit the Ghandi Museum in India, but I had no idea it was his home as well. What an amazing man. I know my home country gained a lot from his teachings on civil disobedience. Also didn’t know it was an Ashram. All these things make me want to visit it even more.

  46. I love any experience that touches your inner core and completely enhances or changes the way you view a destination, or person. This sounds like a powerful, yet simple, place to visit. To see the prayer gardens would be something I’d love to experience for myself.

  47. Wow, you are a great storyteller! You sucked me into this article from the very first few lines. I have not been to India but it is on my bucket list. I am fascinated by Gandhi Ashram and I hope to have the incredible experience here that you have. Thanks for sharing!

  48. I haven’t yet been to Sabarmati. Your post made me realise how rich is the culture in the country. I have read about the Gandhi Ashram in books. This article is an ideal guide to visit the renowned Ashram.

  49. What an incredible experience. The ashram of ashrams. I’ve pinned this and will definitely put this onto my list of things to do in India. Thank you for sharing the information and your personal connection to Sabarmati Ashrma.

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