Shakti Sthal

Location:Between the main Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road) and the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, just southeast of Red Fort, next to Rajghat

Time to visit:Open on all days

Admission: Free and open to all.

How to Reach:Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located between Old Delhi and New Delhi, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take metro rail.

Preferred Timings: April-September: 5.00 am-7.30 pm / October-March / 5.30 am-7.00 pm

Photography charges: nil

Nearest Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Kashmiri Gate

Functional Metro Station: Kashmiri Gate

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing: 40 minutes

Located north of Vir Bhumi, the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi, Shakti Sthal is the memorial of India's first and only lady prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi. She was the only child of Jawahar Lal Nehru, India's first prime minister. She was the third Prime Minister of India and occupied the post for nearly three terms. It was during her third term as prime minister that her own bodyguards assassinated her, in the year 1984.

Considered as an eminent 'statesman' the world over, Indira Gandhi's last rites were performed here and a memorial was build in her honor. The memorial was named 'Shakti Sthal' meaning 'the place of strength and power' to symbolize the determination and vigor of Indira Gandhi. A grey-red monolithic stone marks the site where she was cremated following her assassination.

The very night before the day Indira Gandhi was assassinated, she said in a speech, "I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today, every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation." The contemplative ambience of Shakti Sthal makes visitors reflect on the remarkable life of Indira Gandhi. The green lawns and trees of the park around the memorial provide a soothing getaway from the busy city.

Good parking facilities are available and all basic facilities for visitors are present within the premises.

Annual Event/ Special Event:

A prayer service is organized every year on her birthday (November 19) and death anniversary (October 31st).

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

Vijay Ghat, Vir Bhumi, Rajghat, Shanti Van, National Gandhi Museum, Zinat-ul-masjid, Feroz Shah Kotla and Khuni Darwaza

Nearby Places to Eat:

Hotel Inter-Continental in Connaught Place, Karim Hotel, Ghantewala sweet shop, food stalls near Jama Masjid, Paranthewali gali, Natraj hotel, Chor Bizarre of Broadway Hotel, Daryaganj's Flora, Peshwari, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Worker's canteen of Inter-State Bus terminal and many roadside food stalls are there for refreshment.

Nearby Shopping Venues:

Chandni Chowk (curios, souvenirs, silver and glass bead jewelry) Nai Sarak (books), Chor bazaar (electronic goods), Daryaganj book market (on Sunday) and Chatta Chowk in Red Fort (traditional and contemporary jewelry and handicrafts)

Last Updated On: 2011/07/04