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Kirti Stambh is One of the most popular Landmarks in the City located
near Polo Ground. It is made out of pink Songadh stone and stands tall
opposite Nehru Bhavan. The landmark was built to mark 60 years of rule
of Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1935. Perched atop the landmark is a lion
that is facing eastwards. Though, many citizens know reasons behind
building Kirti Stambh, not many are aware of the philosophy behind the
structure.
The structure depicts Sayajirao's decision of moving towards 'Vanaprasthashram'
(Life of Retirement). The lion sitting on the top of the structure faces
east and has his back to the Laxmi Vilas Palace (Lukshmi Vilas Palace)
gate. Travelling towards east is considered to be a way of attaining
salvation in Hindu philosophy. The lion's back is towards the palace and
it illustrates the king's departure from his Kingdom and Luxurious Life.
"If one sees closely, the lion is a bit old and appears fatigued. And,
it is about to get up and walk. Sayajirao portrays himself as the ageing
lion.
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There is deep philosophy behind the structure made by prominent artist
Krishnarao Chavan and his associates, said Jitendrasinh Gaekwad, great
grandnephew of Sayajirao.
All the buildings and structures made by Sayajirao in the erstwhile
Baroda state carried some meaning and had philosophical touch," Gaekwad
added. Kirti Stambh is currently one of the busiest areas in the city as
a bus deot is located just 100 metres away from it. It stands tall
amidst the mushrooming concrete structures around it.
Sources:
www.historyofvadodara.in
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