In a city defined by temples to deities and legends, Bharat Mata Mandir stands apart — a temple not to a god, but to a nation. Located within the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi, this unique temple is a rare symbol of patriotism and unity, designed to invoke reverence for the motherland itself — Bharat Mata (Mother India).
History and Background
-
Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, Bharat Mata Mandir was envisioned as a symbol of national integration and respect for India’s diverse culture, geography, and heritage.
-
It was built by Shiv Prasad Gupta, a prominent nationalist and philanthropist of Varanasi, who also founded the Kashi Vidyapith university.
What Makes It Unique?
Unlike traditional temples housing idols of deities, Bharat Mata Mandir contains a huge relief map of India, carved in marble. This three-dimensional topographical map depicts the mountains, rivers, plains, and oceans of undivided pre-Partition India, showing:
-
The Himalayas, Vindhyas, Western and Eastern Ghats
-
Major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Godavari
-
Surrounding oceans and neighboring regions, including parts of present-day Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
The map is perfectly proportioned and has been carefully crafted from Makrana marble, similar to that used in the Taj Mahal.
Spiritual & National Significance
-
The temple invokes national spirit and pride, not religion. People of all castes, creeds, and faiths are welcome.
-
Bharat Mata is represented not as an idol, but as a concept of India as a sacred entity.
-
Mahatma Gandhi said at its inauguration:
“This temple is a gift of Shiv Prasad Gupta to the nation, a place where people of all religions and creeds can worship the idea of the nation itself.”
Visitor Experience
-
Visitors are encouraged to walk around the marble map, observing geographical features with reverence.
-
It is often visited by school children, patriots, and tourists looking to experience a more intellectual or civic form of worship in the spiritual heartland of India.
-
The temple also includes informational plaques and photographs from the freedom movement.
Maps
Video
Similar products
