Gandhiji Ashram
Dewan Mahatma Gandhi, 674 Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang

Gandhiji Ashram

The Gandhiji Ashram, also known as Dewan Mahatma Gandhi, is a civic hall that belongs to the Hindu Mahajana Sangam, an association of waterfront coolies formed in 1935. It was built as a madayalam, also called madam, which is a religious retreat for use during celebrations such as the Thaipusam and Chitrapournami festivals. The Gandhiji Ashram is located adjacent to the Arulmigu Sree Ganeshar Temple, just below the Balathandayuthapani Temple, where the annual Thaipusam celebrations are held. This association takes care of the labourers' welfare and taken took the shape of a labour union. The Dewan Mahatma Gandhi was so named in 1948 after Gandhi's assassination.

Dewan Mahatma Gandhi is used as a religious retreat. The also provides shelter to estate workers who come to Penang during the festivals.
On 5 October, 2008, a ceremony was held at the Gandhiji Ashram to unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The ceremony was also to celebrate United Nation's International Day against violence and to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. I was told afterwards by the ashram that the statue is actually made life size.

Nearby Sights

The following are other sights within the vicinity of Gandhiji Ashram which you may also consider exploring. The sights are arranged according to their sequence as you enter Jalan Kebun Bunga.

Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple: Right side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Sri Meenakshi Sundraeswar Temple: Left side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Penang Municipal Park, left side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Sri Ganeshar Temple, within the same compound as the Balathandayuthapani Temple, left side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Balathandayuthapani Temple Left side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Moon Gate Left side of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Penang Botanic Gardens End of Jalan Kebun Bunga

Botanical Gardens Waterfalls Inside the Penang Botanic Gardens

Visiting Penang

If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!