Bharat Mata Mandir – A Unique Temple Dedicated to the Motherland

Varanasi Sarnath

Celebrate the spirit of India with a visit to this one-of-a-kind temple in Varanasi.

Bharat Mata Mandir is not a typical temple dedicated to gods and goddesses. Instead, it is a symbol of patriotism, unity, and the cultural strength of India. Located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus in Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Mother India and features a detailed relief map of India carved out of marble. Built to promote national pride, the temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The map includes mountains, rivers, and oceans — all accurately depicted with scale and precision. It’s a peaceful and educational place where visitors can admire India’s geographical beauty and reflect on its diverse heritage. The temple does not have any idol, making it different from traditional religious spaces. It is visited by students, historians, tourists, and anyone who wants to pay respect to the nation.

Important Timings

Temple Opening Hours      

                  9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit

                   Morning or Evening

 

Booking and Entry Fees

  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Photography: Allowed
  • Guided Tour: Available upon request (varies by group)

History and Legacy

Bharat Mata Mandir was founded in 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter and philanthropist from Varanasi. The idea behind the temple was to create a sacred space where the nation itself could be worshipped, not just as a geographical entity, but as a symbol of unity, courage, and cultural richness. When Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple, he praised it as a unique place of devotion for every Indian, beyond caste, religion, or region.

The main attraction inside the temple is the marble relief map of undivided India, carved with such precision that it accurately shows hills, plains, rivers, and oceans. Unlike traditional temples, Bharat Mata Mandir doesn’t have any deity or religious rituals. Instead, it is a reminder of the sacrifices made for India's freedom and a tribute to its diversity. The temple inspires patriotism and serves as an educational site for young minds. Over the years, it has become an important stop for those exploring Varanasi’s cultural and historical heritage. Its location within the campus of Kashi Vidyapeeth, a key educational institution linked to the independence movement, further strengthens its symbolic value.

Nearby Destinations

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

3.5 km

15 mins

Auto/Taxi

Dashashwamedh Ghat

3.8 km

20 mins

Auto

Assi Ghat

4.5 km

25 mins

Auto/Taxi

Sankat Mochan Temple

5 km

25–30 mins

Auto

Banaras Hindu University

6 km

30 mins

Auto/Taxi

Tourist Guidelines & Tips

  • Wear comfortable and respectful clothing
  • Keep your voice low inside the temple premises
  • Avoid littering; maintain cleanliness
  • Great place for students and educational groups
  • Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid heat
  • Photography is allowed but avoid flash on the marble

Top Things to Buy Near Varanasi Sarnath

  • Indian flags and patriotic souvenirs
  • Books on Indian history and freedom movement
  • Banarasi handmade crafts and textiles
  • Spiritual and cultural postcards
  • Local snacks and sweets for takeaway

Top Things and Places to Eat Nearby

  • Baati Chokha Restaurant – Authentic Bhojpuri cuisine
  • Shree Café & Restaurant – Vegetarian Indian meals
  • Blue Lassi Shop (slightly farther) – Famous for flavored lassi
  • Local stalls – Samosas, kachoris, jalebi, and chai
  • Kashi Chat Bhandar – Try tamatar chaat and tikki near Godowlia

Tours Covering The Bharat Mata Mandir