Kirti Stambh, located near the Polo Ground in Vadodara, was constructed in 1935 to celebrate the 60-year reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. This iconic monument is crafted from pink ‘Songadh stone’ and stands proudly opposite Nehru Bhavan, topped by a lion facing eastward. Known as the ‘Tower of Fame/Triumph,’ Kirti Stambh holds significant philosophical symbolism.
The monument symbolizes Maharaja Sayajirao’s profound decision to renounce worldly pleasures and transition to ‘Vanprasthashram,’ the third stage of human life where one relinquishes worldly duties, adopts an advisory role, and withdraws from material pursuits.
The lion atop Kirti Stambh, facing east with its rear towards the Lukshmi Vilas Palace Gate, signifies the Maharaja’s departure from his kingdom and luxurious life. In Hindu philosophy, eastward travel symbolizes the pursuit of ‘Salvation’ or ‘Moksha,’ further underlining the monument’s spiritual significance.
Examining closely, the lion’s expression appears aged and fatigued, evoking the Maharaja’s portrayal through this sculpture. Artist Krishnarao Chavan and his team infused deep philosophical meanings into the structure, reflecting the cultural and spiritual ethos of the erstwhile Baroda State. Maharaja Sayajirao III’s architectural projects consistently embodied such symbolic depth, meticulously crafted by the master craftsmen of Baroda.
The Gujarati translation of the Sanskrit text at the bottom of Kirti Stambh is as follows:
સદાચાર ,સદ્ભાવ વગેરે અનેક ગુણો સહિત લાંબા સમય સુધીના પોતાના દીર્ઘશાસનકાળમાં પ્રજા ને યોગ્ય રાહ ચીંધી ઉજ્જવલ કીર્તિ પ્રાપ્ત કરનાર પોતાના દાદા શ્રીમંત મહારાજા સયાજીરાવ ત્રીજાના વિક્રમ સંવત 1992 ના વર્ષમાં સમસ્ત પ્રજાએ જેને અભિનંદન આપેલ છે એવા હીરક મહોત્સવના ચિરસ્મરણ માટે અશોકસ્તંભની પ્રતિકૃતિ સમાન આ કીર્તિસ્તંભ શ્રીમંત મહારાજા પ્રતાપસિંહરાવ એ પોતાની રાજધાની વટપદ્ર નગર (હાલ નું વડોદરા) માં વિક્રમ સંવત 1998ના વર્ષે પોતાના શાસનકાળના ચોથા વર્ષે સ્થાપન કરેલ છે.
શુભમ ભવતુ
Thanks to Kanubhai Purohit, Hetal Shah, and Krishna Darji for helping us with the translation.
Sardar Chowk : A plaque displaying a speech by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from October 1938, near Kirti Stambh is known as Sardar Chowk. This plaque commemorates the leader who addressed a large gathering of people. Sardar Patel was originally denied permission to speak at Polo Ground, leading him to deliver his speech near Kirti Stambh, where the plaque now stands.
In the late 1930s, Sardar Patel led the ‘Baroda State Praja Mandal,’ which played a crucial role in integrating the state into independent India. Unfortunately, in 1939, Sardar Patel faced physical assaults in Vadodara, Bhavnagar, and Rajkot.
Today, Kirti Stambh remains a prominent landmark in Vadodara, situated amidst bustling urban developments, including a bus depot within a few meters. It stands tall, juxtaposed against the rapidly growing concrete structures and buildings of the city.
Partial Source: Times of India
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