Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
Each one prays to God according to his own light.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948), Indian political leader and father of India
When a hole was cut into the pale pink and white ceiling of the Gandhi Mandapam shrine, some may have questioned why. All doubt disappeared on October 2, Gandhi’s birthday, when every year the midday sunlight streams through the hole and falls precisely on the holy spot that had held his ashes (before they were distributed), thus symbolizing the emerging light of independence that Gandhi’s selfless efforts helped manifest. As India metamorphosed from an outpost of the British Empire to a free nation, the Mahatma became the holy beacon of hope for worldwide nonviolence until, and ever since, his assassination in 1948.
If you desire to pay homage to the Mahatma (great soul) or to pray at the shrine that held his sacred ashes, visit the Gandhi Mandapam in Kanyakumari, at the tip of the Indian subcontinent. Reach the city by rail or air from other parts of India, and then use local buses and taxis to visit the shrine.
Stand before the black four-sided column on which the ashes of Gandhi were kept to reflect on the Mahatma’s life and ideals. Ask for spiritual succor and guidance for yourself, the ones you love, and your nation.
The Gandhi Mandapam shrine finds resonance in Orissan temples, with its columns, towers, elaborate sculptural treatments, pilaster decoration, capitals, and needlepoint spires.