RAJ GHAT

Want to know more about this shrine dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi? Here’s everything for you to know about Raj Ghat in Delhi, including its history, timings, architecture, and other facts.

Raj Ghat in Delhi is a tranquil and elegant memorial dedicated to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Just like Gandhiji who was a simple yet commanding leader, his memorial also reflects simplicity in its erection and design. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna river. It marks the spot where he was cremated after the assassination. Additionally, the Raj Ghat area also contains the cremation spots aka samadhis of several other famous leaders in the country. 

Information of RAJ GHAT

• Name: Raj Ghat

• Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Ring Road), New Delhi

• Type: Shrine or Samadhi

• Devoted to: Mahatma Gandhi

• Timings: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm; every day

• Entry fees: Free

• Camera: Free

• Architect: Vanu G. Bhuta

• The material used: Black Marble

• Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate (Violet Line)

• Dimensions: 12 x 12 feet square platform with a height of 2 feet

History of RAJ GHAT

Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was assassinated on 30th January 1948 and the following day, his body was cremated at a spot near the river Yamuna. Raj Ghat marks the exact location where Gandhiji was allocated to flames and his last rites were performed. A cenotaph was built at this place in keeping with Gandhiji’s philosophy and practice of living a modest life.

Originally, Raj Ghat Gate was the name of an old gate that existed in the walled city of Old Delhi called Shahjahanabad and opened on the west bank of the Yamuna river at a place called Raj Ghat. Later, the area where the shrine for Gandhiji was built came to be referred to as Raj Ghat.

Over the years, the samadhis of many notable Indian leaders were constructed in the Raj Ghat area, of former Prime Ministers and Presidents of the country. The latest addition of Samadhi to the Raj Ghat area was the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the Samadhi of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that was constructed in the year 2018.

The architecture of RAJ GHAT

Gandhiji’s shrine at Raj Ghat is a square platform made using black marble. The plain erection has the words ‘Hey Ram’ inscribed on it since these were the last words uttered by the assassinated leader. This shrine was designed by Vanu G. Bhuta in keeping with Gandhiji’s policy of simple living and high thinking. 

A footpath made of stones will lead you to this shrine, which is housed within a walled enclosure and the stone pathway has lush green lawns on both sides. The landscaping of the shrine was done by Alick Percy- Lancaster, who was the last British national to conquer the position of the Superintendent of Horticulture Operations under the Govt. of India.

Raj Ghat’s Museum

The National Gandhi Museum or Gandhi Memorial Museum at Raj Ghat rejoices in the life and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi through a collection of pictures, sculptures, books, films, and other memorabilia related to Gandhiji’s life. The museum has a rich collection of more than 35000 documents and books related to Gandhiji’s life and works. Some of these have been written by the leader himself. It also reveals 23 models of charkhas or spinning wheels along with some of his personal items like his dhoti, shawl, walking sticks, a few of his teeth, and even some of the bullets that were used to assassinate him.

Places nearby Raj Ghat for visit

• Red Fort about 2.1km
• Jama Masjid about 2.5km
• Agrasen ki Baoli about 3.7km
• Connaught Place is about 4.2km
• Jantar Mantar about 4.4km