Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya: Gandhiji’s Abode In Mumbai

Mumbai- The financial capital of India has an important part in the freedom struggle. This city had accommodated many well-known personalities. Many people including some high profile, some silent heroes, and all the common men out there had served this city and made this city what it is today. 

One of these highly profiled men is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi also known as Mahatma Gandhi. A Gen-Z with the title of Bollywood buff and an original Mumbaikar would remember Gandhiji on a Dhobighat in Mumbai advising Munna Bhai (Sanjay Dutt) to tell the truth to Janvi about Munna’s real profession. 

Well, jokes apart, the contribution of Gandhiji living in Mumbai was surely more than giving relationship advice to Munna Bhai. Mani Bhavan was Gandhiji’s headquarters in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. This mansion belongs to Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri who was Gandhiji’s supporter. Today, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is a museum holding artefacts related to Gandhiji.

Touring Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Mumbai

This two-story building is where Gandhiji used to stay when he was in Mumbai. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalya has many things related to Mathma Gandhi including the collection of books, Gandhiji spinning wheels, photographs, etc. Many photographs of Gandhiji are hung on the walls of the museum. So, let’s take a tour and see what we have to see.

1. Library

On the ground floor of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, you can see there is a huge library with three sections. Every section has huge cupboards with books in it. There is a variety of genres including philosophy, Biography, Autobiography, History, Osophy, and many more. 

These books are open to the general public, although the library is open on weekdays only. It is closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturday and public holidays. However, at the entrance, you could see there are books related to Mathma Gandhi for sale.

2. Auditorium

A small auditorium on the first floor is built to hold small gatherings for school students to showcase the life of Gandhiji.

3. Photo Gallery

In the photo gallery at Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Mumbai, many photo cuttings are kept in the frames. These photos depict Gandhiji’s childhood till his assassination are displayed with paper cuttings.

4. Gandhiji Room

On the second floor of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Mumbai is Gandhiji’s room where he used to stay and work. On the wall of the room is the photograph of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mathma Gandhi. Other things include spinning wheels, a hand fan, a study table, a stick, and other things. Although the room has been renovated it still is the same room where Gandhiji used to stay.

5. Other Museum Room

Other museum rooms on the second floor include boxes with the front opening made of glass so that you can see through the box. These boxes have miniature statues of various events of Gandhiji’s life including The Salt Satyagraha, The Epic March, When Mathma Gandhi returned from South Africa, The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and many more.

Suggest Read: Revealing Top 18 Dining Spots In Mumbai | Best Restaurants In Mumbai

About Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Mani Bhavan is a 2-storey mansion in Gamdevi, Mumbai. It served for seventeen years (1917-1934) as the headquarters for Gandhiji in Mumbai. This mansion was originally owned by Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri who was a major follower of Gandhiji.

Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act was launched from Mani Bhavan in March 1919. Intending to defy the Indian Press Act, it was also from here that Gandhiji commenced his weekly bulletin “Satyagrahi” on April 7, 1919.

Mani Bhavan holds the historical importance of introducing the first phase of the non-violent freedom struggle. Later, it is said that Gandhiji learned the art of Carding from a person who used to pass by Mani Bhavan. 

According to him, the hum of charkha “had no small share in restoring him to health” He yielded to Kasturba’s suggestion and began taking goat’s milk here when his health was very critical in January 1919.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Entry Fee

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya entry fee for adults is Rs. 20/- per person and Rs. 10/- for students.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Timings

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya timings are from 09:30 am to 06:00 pm on all days. It is closed on the 2nd and 4th Saturday and public holidays.

Restaurants Near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

As Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Mumbai is in the heart of South Mumbai there are many restaurants near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya. Following are some of the handpicked restaurants near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya.

1. Govindas International Veg Reastaurant
2. Symphony Restaurant
3. Soam
4. Shri Krishna
5. Cinnabon
6. GujjuBhai Ni Thali

Hotels Near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

There are many options for hotels near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya. The rates of the hotels near the museum are quite high. Although there are many hotels to stay at, the following are some of the hand-picked hotels near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

1. Krishna Palace Hotel Room
2. The Shalimar Hotel
3. Hotel Kemps Corner
4. Hotel Regal Palace
5. Hotel Orient Regency

Places To Visit Near Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

1. Marine Drive

Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, is one of the city’s most well-known Landmarks. It is the best location to experience stunning sunsets and to indulge in leisurely walks. Thousands of tourists assemble around the area daily to experience the exquisite views of the city’s skyline.

2. Iskcon Temple

ISKCON Temple at Girgaon Chowpatty is a walkable distance from Mandi Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya. The temple has one of the most beautiful architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. On the temple premises, there is a small beautiful garden called ‘Vrindavan’, you can sit and meditate in that garden.

3. Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden is one of the places in Mumbai. Located in Malabar Hill, it has the iconic Boot House.  The stunning terrace of Hanging Garden offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

4. Giargaon Chowpatty

Giragaon Chowpatty is one of the most iconic places in Mumbai. The best time to visit the beach is while the sun is setting. It has a captivating view. A new viewing deck is also constructed for the common public to take a proper view of the Arabian Sea. The GIargaon Chowpatty is at a walkable distance from Mandi Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya