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| Vinobaji and Badshah Khan planting a Bakul sapling at the time of Bhoomi Pujan of Gitai Mandir (top). The Bakul sapling grew into a beautiful tree (above). |
In deference to the wish of his mother, Vinobaji had translated The Bhagavad Gita, verse by verse, in Marathi. It was first published in the form of a book in 1932. Vinobaji titled it "Gitai" (Mother Gita). Kamalnayanji commemorated this eternal work by conceiving the Gitai Mandir at Wardha. On receiving, kulguru Vinobaji's approval, the Kamalnayan Bajaj Charitable Trust started work on building a temple, as a memorial to Gitai, which would be unique in concept and form. The Bhoomi Pujan was done in the presence of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan on 4th November, 1964 and the Mandir was inaugurated by Vinobaji on 7th October, 1980 - the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the writing of Gitai.
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| Pic. 3 - The unique temple which has no roof |
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| Pic. 4 - A couplet from the Gitai is engraved on each slab of the Mandir |
The Gitai Mandir stands on 36 acres of land at the site of Jamnalalji's Samadhi in Gopuri, Wardha. A unique monument, it has no idol, sanctum sanctorum or even a roof (Pic. 3). 18 chapters of Gitai have been engraved (each slab has a shloka inscribed on it - see Pic. 4) on 18 types of stone-slabs brought from the four corners of the country signifying national unity. The slabs have been so placed as take the shape of charkha (spinning wheel, which is a symbol of Mahatma Gandhi) and cow (symbol of Jamnalalji).
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| Shanti Kutir which houses the photographic exhibition on Jamnalalji's life |
People visiting the Gitai Mandir can get a glimpse into the life and thoughts of Vinobaji through captivating photographs displayed within the complex. There's also a photo exhibition set up inside the Shanti Kutir which succinctly captures the life of Jamnalal Bajaj.
