Bharat Mata Mandir, Varanasi
Bharat Mata Mandir is a temple dedicated to motherland India situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi, by the Ganges, is one of the oldest cities in India called Banaras or Kashi as well. It is known as the spiritual capital of India and has great importance, according to Hindu religious texts and beliefs. The temple was built before the independence of India in 1936. It is located on Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Campus in Varanasi. It does not have traditional statues of gods and goddesses, instead of that, there is a massive map of undivided India or India before Independence carved in marble. The plan has detailed structure showing mountains, oceans, plains and rivers in India.History
Freedom fighter Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt constructed Bharat Mata Mandir. The construction of the temple began in 1918 and got completed in 1924. Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated it on October 25, 1936. The famous poet, Maithili Sharan Gupta who is well known as a Rashtra Kavi (National Poet) composed a poem on the occasion of inauguration of the temple which is written on a board in the temple. It was one of the most essential and inspiring places for the freedom fighters in Varanasi before independence and still is inspiring for all Indians. The temple has witnessed a number of meetings, protests, marches, during the struggle of independence. During 1942’s ‘Chale Jao’ (Go Back) movement the temple was a central place for the meetings and gatherings, and it has seen many great Indian freedom fighters inspiring people to go for the independence struggle.What’s So Special – Marble Map of India
Bharat Mata Mandir is one of its kind. It has a map of undivided India, which was a dream of every Indian struggling for freedom. This representation of India includes today's Afghanistan, Pakistan along with Baluchistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar which was then known as a Burma and Sri Lanka.The map shows a layout of India in detail which includes 450 mountain ranges and peaks, water bodies, vast plains, oceans, rivers and plateaux. The map also shows the scale as well as the depth of the geographical entities depicted on it.
It also displays Mt. Everest and K2 peaks along with a high wall of china. The dedication towards work is praiseworthy. Even the smallest of islands are also shown on that map and can be seen with the help of a laser torch or pointed stick. The plan covers 6.40 miles on land for every inch. One can see the difference among the heights of various peaks from a window installed at the ground in the basement.
This extraordinary sculpture has witnessed a long journey of Indian Freedom struggle. It is not just a building or structure. It is the heritage of Mahama Gandhi’s idea of ‘No Violence’. It is a symbol of peace and magnificence of India.
Best Time to Visit
Bharat Mata Mandir is a beautiful historical place and can be visited any time, but Independence Day and Republic Day of India are the best two days to visit. One can enjoy and feel that cheerfulness and energy in the environment. On these two special days, water bodies depicted in the map are filled with water also the land areas are decorated with flowers. These two national festivals are celebrated on a high level; the stories of struggle of independence are told on these days.Visit Timing and Fees
Bharat Mata Mandir is open between 9:30 am to 8:00 pm and can be visited in any season. There is no fee for visiting.Location
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth (University) Campus, Vidyapeeth Road, Chanuwasti Chandra Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaHow to Reach?
• Varanasi is served by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. One can take flight for the town and then on reaching can get a bus or any private vehicle such as autorickshaw, cab etc. from the airport to reach Bharat Mata Mandir.
|
From |
To |
Mode of Transport |
Distance (Miles) |
Duration (Hours) |
Fare (INR) |
|
New Delhi Airport |
Varanasi Airport |
Flight (31 flights per week) |
- |
1.1 |
2,200-8,000 |
|
Varanasi Airport |
Bharat Mata Mandir |
Taxi |
14.29 |
0.21 |
500-600 |
|
Bus / Autorickshaw |
14.29 |
0.3 |
40-150 |
||
|
Cab |
14.29 |
0.21 |
300-500 |
||
|
New Delhi |
Varanasi Junction |
Train (daily 5 trains) |
- |
11.58 |
350-390 |
|
Varanasi Junction |
Bharat Mata Mandir |
Walk |
0.68 |
0.13 |
- |
|
Chaudhary Charan Singh Bus Stand, Varanasi |
Bharat Mata Mandir |
Walk |
0.93 |
0.17 |
- |
Bharat Mata Mandir is an iconic place from Indian independence struggle era having energy and feelings of patriotism. It could help you to enhance your knowledge and understand the theories and strategies used during various movements of the independence struggle. You can get to know about the glorious history of India and India’s spiritual capital Varanasi’s contribution in it through ages. Also, you can appreciate Indian art and culture. It is one of the most beautiful and detailed sculpture from the 20th century.