What is Bharat Mata Mandir?
Bharat Mata Mandir is a temple dedicated to 'Mother India' on the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi. Instead of an idol, it contains a large relief map of undivided India carved in marble. It was built by the nationalist Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
Bharat Mata Mandir
- Presiding deity
- Bharat Mata (Mother India)
- Location
- Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, Varanasi
- From Kashi Vishwanath
- About 3 km (approximate)
On this page
A temple to the nation
Built during the independence movement, the temple was intended as a place where people of every background could honour the motherland. Its centrepiece is a relief map of undivided India, carved in marble, showing mountains, rivers and plains.
It was built through the efforts of the nationalist and philanthropist Shiv Prasad Gupt, and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936.
Visiting
- Allow about 30–45 minutes.
- The temple is on the Kashi Vidyapith campus, about 3 km from Kashi Vishwanath.
- It combines well with a trip towards Sarnath or the Cantt area.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an idol in Bharat Mata Mandir?
No. The temple's centrepiece is a marble relief map of undivided India.
Who inaugurated Bharat Mata Mandir?
Mahatma Gandhi, in 1936.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Bharat Mata Mandir (encyclopaedia entry with cited references) (opens in a new tab)
Wikipedia — Reference work, checked September 2026
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism — Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh — Government source, checked September 2026
Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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