Bharat Mata Temple
A unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a stunning marble map of undivided India, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bharat Mata Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a stunning marble map of undivided India, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
"A unique temple with a map of undivided India in Varanasi. A popular tourist place. "
🎯 Appreciate the Map's Detail
Focus on the intricate carvings of the undivided India map; it's the heart of the temple.
🚶♂️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a unique site, but a visit is usually quite brief. Plan accordingly with other nearby attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Undivided India Map
Main Hall
A stunning, intricately carved marble map of undivided India, showcasing geographical accuracy and historical significance.
Historical Significance
Temple Exterior and Information Panels
Learn about the temple's construction and its inauguration by Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of national pride.
Architectural Detail
Throughout the Temple
Admire the detailed carvings and the scale model of India, reflecting immense craftsmanship and dedication.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Understand the Unique Concept
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Appreciate the Map's Detail
Focus on the intricate carvings of the undivided India map; it's the heart of the temple.
🚶♂️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a unique site, but a visit is usually quite brief. Plan accordingly with other nearby attractions.
🤔 Understand the Concept
It's a patriotic monument, not a place for traditional worship. Embrace its unique purpose.
📸 Capture the Map
Photography is generally allowed, so capture the impressive scale and detail of the marble map.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Appreciate the Map's Detail
Focus on the intricate carvings of the undivided India map; it's the heart of the temple.
🚶♂️ Quick Visit Recommended
It's a unique site, but a visit is usually quite brief. Plan accordingly with other nearby attractions.
🤔 Understand the Concept
It's a patriotic monument, not a place for traditional worship. Embrace its unique purpose.
📸 Capture the Map
Photography is generally allowed, so capture the impressive scale and detail of the marble map.
🧐 Check Maintenance Status
Some visitors note it can be poorly maintained; manage expectations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Bharat Mata Temple unique for its impressive marble map of undivided India, a testament to historical artistry and patriotism. While some appreciate its distinct concept and historical significance, others note that maintenance could be improved, and the lack of traditional worship elements might be unexpected for some.
"Mother india temple is actually the famous Bharat mata temple of varanasi. The name should be changed as Bharat mata temple, it's the only temple wher u will find no worshiped idol, the main worshipping thing in the temple is a gigantic stone curved map of India the akhanda Bharat, every inch of the map curved according to the original geographical structure of land of India. Such a historical art place to visit and also open to all religion and region people"
sirsho acharya
"Precision model with all the details, scale of model mention on the walls inside the temple."
phanindra vs
"A unique temple with a map of undivided India in Varanasi. A popular tourist place.
Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta between 1918 and 1924, the temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on October 25, 1936, and is frequented by foreign tourists."
bisakha roy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bharat Mata Temple is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city. It's often visited as part of a tour that includes Sarnath.
While direct bus routes might be limited, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are readily available and affordable for reaching the temple from major points in Varanasi.
From Varanasi Junction railway station, you can hire a pre-paid auto-rickshaw or a taxi. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Limited parking might be available nearby, but it's advisable to use ride-sharing services or auto-rickshaws to avoid parking hassles, especially during peak hours.
Yes, it's often visited alongside Sarnath, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the ghats of Varanasi, making for a comprehensive city tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Bharat Mata Temple is generally free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
The temple is typically open from morning to evening, but it's advisable to check local listings or inquire upon arrival as specific timings can vary.
No, advance booking is not required as there is no entry fee. You can visit anytime during its operational hours.
While not strictly enforced, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting any religious site in India. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Absolutely! The temple is frequented by foreign tourists and is open to people of all religions and regions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is a large, intricately carved marble map of undivided India, showcasing geographical details and historical boundaries.
No, it's unique as it doesn't have a worshipped idol. It's more of a patriotic monument dedicated to Mother India.
A visit is usually quite brief, often taking no more than 30 minutes to an hour, as the main focus is the map.
Visitor feedback varies, with some noting that the temple can be poorly maintained. It's advisable to manage expectations.
Official guides may not be readily available inside the temple itself, but many city tours include this site with a guide who can explain its significance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the temple, allowing you to capture the impressive marble map.
While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be discreet and avoid flash photography that might disturb other visitors.
The best photo opportunities are directly in front of the large marble map of India, capturing its scale and detail.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and public areas in India. It's best to avoid it.
Expect to capture detailed shots of the carved map, the scale of the room, and the unique patriotic ambiance of the temple.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the temple's primary focus is the map, so the visit might be shorter than expected. It's a good idea to prepare children beforehand about the temple's concept – that it's a monument to India rather than a place for idol worship. This helps manage expectations and enhances their appreciation for the unique exhibit.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The detailed marble map of undivided India is a historical artifact in itself, representing a vision of the subcontinent before partition. It offers a tangible connection to India's past and the concept of Akhand Bharat. Exploring the temple provides insights into the nationalistic sentiments and artistic endeavors of the early 20th century.
🚶♂️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
As it's a patriotic monument rather than a traditional religious site, it offers a different perspective on Indian culture. It’s a place where you can reflect on national identity and appreciate a unique piece of art and history without needing extensive prior knowledge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Concept: A Temple of Patriotism
This unique concept was brought to life by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, who envisioned a space dedicated to the spirit of Mother India. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi himself in 1936, the temple serves as a powerful symbol of national unity and pride. It's a place that resonates with patriotic sentiment, offering a different kind of spiritual experience centered around the love for one's country.
While some visitors, particularly locals, might find the lack of traditional worship elements unusual, the temple is a significant historical monument. It draws a considerable number of foreign tourists who are fascinated by its distinctiveness and the historical context it represents.
Exploring the Marble Map of India
Travelers often highlight the scale and accuracy of the map. It's noted that the carving reflects the geographical structure of the land, with major mountains and sea floor levels depicted to scale. This level of detail is a testament to the immense effort and artistry involved in its creation.
When visiting, take your time to walk around the map and observe the intricate details. Information panels often accompany the map, providing context about its scale and the geographical features represented. It’s a truly unique piece of art and a powerful historical artifact.
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