Sabarmati Ashram: Legacy, History, and Visitor Information
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The Sabarmati Ashram was established in 1917. It is a legacy of Mahatma Gandhi (The Father of the Nation) and his role in India’s struggle for independence. The Ashram is situated very close to Saint Dadheechi’s temple on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujrat.
The Ashram’s location was carefully chosen, which allowed Gandhi to be at the right place for the struggle against the Britishers. The Ashram became a hub for discussions, debates, and many sessions. The Sabarmati Ashram reminds us of the power of nonviolent protest.
How to Reach the Sabarmati Ashram?
The Sabarmati Ashram sits in the heart of Ahmedabad. Its location holds immense historical importance, serving as the core of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideologies and the Indian independence movement. To reach the Sabarmati Ashram, a person can travel by any means of transport.
The nearest airport to the Ashram in Ahmedabad is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport(SVPI). It is 4.2 km away from the Sabarmati Ashram. You can reach the Ashram by booking a taxi for a price of 300-400 INR. After reaching the Ashram, you can relax and stay in hotels around the Ashram starting at 1072 INR.
If you opt for a train, you will arrive at Ahmedabad Junction. Right outside the Railway Station, you can find transportation options to get you to the Ashram. People prefer auto-rickshaws as they provide more locality.
The city offers an efficient bus network with buses close to the Ashram. Local buses are budget-friendly and show the city’s daily routine. The journey to the Ashram is a great experience. The Sabarmati River’s gentle flow and sense of peace will greet the visitors.
The journey to this important historic site shows Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for peace and vibrant Ahmedabad’s diverse landscape.
Sabarmati Ashram History
Mahatma Gandhi established the history of Sabarmati Ashram in 1917 to create a haven for practising his philosophy of truth and nonviolence. It also served as a base for leading India’s fight against British colonial rule.
The Ashram played an important role in the Indian freedom movement as it served as a house for various initiatives aiming to destroy the chains of colonialism. Gandhi cultivated and honed the nonviolent resistance, the Satyagraha, within the walls of the Ashram.
There are significant events that took place in the Ashram.
Some of them are-
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
- Non- Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
- Dandi March (1930)
- Quit India Movement (1942)
- Last Resistance of Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi embarked on his final journey from the Ashram. They took his mortal remains from the Sabarmati Ashram, which marked Gandhi’s final resistance.
Mahatma Gandhi and Sabarmati Ashram
The Sabarmati Ashram was a special place where Mahatma Gandhi practised and taught his important ideas. His core ideas were his twin, the pillars of truth (Satya) and nonviolence (Ahinsa).
Gandhi believed that ideas were very important tools for personal and societal growth. When he interacted with the local community, he found these values violated and aimed to address these issues. The Ashram became the platform to think about these issues. Mahatma Gandhi was a person with dedication. While working with them, he showed people how to live by these ideas in everyday life.
Gandhi made his clothes and thread to showcase simplicity by using “Chakra,” which is present in the Ashram. He made people realize that they should not depend on the British rulers and be self-sufficient in everyday chores.
Sabarmati Ashram Timings
You must know the correct opening and closing hours If you are looking forward to visiting the Sabarmati Ashram. The Ashram’s timing is from 8:30 AM and it closes at 6:30 PM. You can easily visit places in Ashram like Magan Niwas, Hriday Kunj, Vinobha-Mira Kutir, Udyog Mandir, Somnath Chhatralaya, and many more during this time.
You can now discover the history and ideas related to the Ashram. There is an amazing special event that might catch your eye: “The spinning wheel,” which Gandhi used in his journey to teach self-sufficiency to people. You can watch it working in real life at a specific time.
The timings for visitors to see the spinning wheel are –
- Two hours in the morning (10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
- Two hours in the evening (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
The Ashram is open every day. It is also open during public or private holidays.
Tracing the Dandi March
As the name suggests, The Dandi March was a March to a place called Dandi. This was an amazing event of history led by Mahatma Gandhi in his journey of independence. It happened in 1930, led by Gandhi and his followers.
Gandhi did this March as a symbol of breaking the British unfair rules and laws. The Sabarmati Ashram played a crucial role as the starting point of this March. Gandhi, with his followers, set out on this 240-mile journey from the Ashram to the coastal town of Dandi.
The Dandi March demonstrated the strength of unity and peaceful protest. It was a turning point in India’s fight for freedom with a wave of civil disobedience.
Sabarmati Ashram Entry Fee
There is no charge for entering the Ashram. The Ashram is open early at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 6:30 p.m. It is advisable to inform the Ashram before your visit if you are planning to visit for school tours and in large groups. The Ashram will arrange a guide who will guide you in your entire tour and will embark on their knowledge. Visitors can engage in photography and videography on the premises without incurring any charges. The authorities urge people to wear appropriate attire to uphold the dignity of the Ashram.
The Ashram premises strictly prohibit visitors from smoking, consuming alcohol, or using drugs. Without giving any charge, visitors can park their vehicles within the premises of the Ashram.
Exploring Sabarmati Ashram
Many areas in the Sabarmati Ashram give us a peek into Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his journey for the independence of India. Some buildings are-
Gandhi’s Living Quarters
His living quarters, Hridaya Kunj, was the heart and soul of Gandhi. It was a place where he discussed his philosophy and thinking with his fellow freedom fighters and wrote some of the most influential writings.
Museum and Exhibits
The museum takes visitors on a captivating journey, and it showcases letters, photographs, and belongings of Gandhi’s life.
Notable Artefacts and Displays
Among the letters and treasures from Gandhi’s life, you will also find Gandhi’s iconic spinning wheel, which represents his self-sufficient movement. Other than that, there are other artworks, manuscripts, and relics of Gandhi’s work that tell the tale of India’s fight for freedom.
Experience for Visitors
The visitor can take a guided tour, which will help in unearthing the hidden gems of the Ashram. The guides with proper knowledge share stories about Gandhi’s life, the significance of the Ashram, and many other events that took place here.
Also Read :-
Quit India Movement – August 8, 1942
What is the Chipko Movement in India?
What is Non-Cooperation Movement: A Brief Overview
Sabarmati Ashram on Map
If you plan to visit the Sabarmati Ashram, you can easily spot it as it stands along the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. There are many attractive landmarks nearby, which makes exploring Ahmedabad more interesting. Some of the landmarks are
Gujrat Science City
It is located close to the Sabarmati Ashram. It is an interactive science museum and educational centre that offers engaging exhibits regarding science and IMAX theatre, with various hands-on activities to perform.
Kankaria Lake
It is a large lake located in Ahmedabad. It offers boating, a park, and a zoo.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
It is a historic mosque in Ahmedabad.
Adalaj Stepwell
These are unique step-wells that once provided water and a place to rest.
Akshardham Temple
It is a spiritual and cultural centre with carved sculptures, stunning gardens, and an enlightening exhibition.
Sabarmati Ashram- A Symbol of Hope
During the struggle for India’s freedom, Sabarmati Ashram became a centre point for Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance and social reform. It has a deep connection with Mahatma Gandhi’s life and philosophy. The Ashram was more than a physical space. It was a hope and inspiration for millions of people in India who aspired to be a free nation from British rule.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Ashram had a great role in Mahatma Gandhi’s life as it was his home and was the main centre of India’s freedom movement. It was the starting point for the Dandi March and many main events that led to the independence of India.
Hridaya Kunj, the living quarters of Gandhi, played an important role in nourishing his ideas of independence. Visitors are more than welcome to visit these quarters and observe the life of Gandhi and his philosophies.
Sabarmati Ashram is known by various names such as Gandhi Ashram, Satyagraha Ashram, and Harijan Ashram.
The Sabarmati Ashram is famous as it became the foundation from where Mahatma Gandhi began the Dandi March, or Salt Satyagraha as it was called, on 12th March 1930.
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