Bharat Mata Mandir
भारत माता मंदिर
A special 'temple' with no deity. Instead, it houses a huge marble relief map of India, unveiled by Gandhi in 1936.
Bharat Mata Mandir stands on the campus of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith. It was funded by the nationalist Shiv Prasad Gupta, and Gandhi himself unveiled it in 1936. There is no idol inside. Instead, a three-dimensional map of undivided India is carved from Makrana marble, with mountains, rivers and oceans shown to scale. It symbolizes 'Mother India' and reflects the nationalist spirit of the independence movement. Visitors are few and the atmosphere is quiet. Entry is free or charges a small fee. It is about 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw from Godowlia.
Opening hours
About 09:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Godowlia & Vishwanath Gali
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Kaal Bhairav Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Man Mandir Ghat & Jantar Mantar
- Darbhanga Ghat
- Scindia Ghat
- Nepali Temple at Lalita Ghat