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Bharat Mata Mandir, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Bharat Mata Mandir

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

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  • DeityOther
  • ArchitectureOther
  • TypePilgrimage centre
  • PeriodModern / recent
  • About
  • Visit
  • How to reach
  • Stay nearby
  • Heritage
  • Reviews

About

Bharat Mata Mandir, also known as the Mother India Temple or Map Temple, is a unique pilgrimage centre located within the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

This modern temple stands out for its distinctive purpose and architecture, differing from traditional Hindu temples. Built between 1918 and 1936 by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, the temple holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Varanasi.

The Bharat Mata Mandir is easily accessible from various parts of Varanasi. Pilgrims arriving by train can reach the temple from Varanasi Junction (Cantt Railway Station), which is just 3.5 km away, or from Banaras Railway Station (BSBS), located 5 km from the temple.

Kashi Railway Station is also nearby at a distance of 6 km. For those traveling by air, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is approximately 30 km away.

From the airport, visitors can take a prepaid taxi or app-based cab to Sigra, Varanasi, and then proceed to the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus. Local transport such as auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are readily available from the railway stations to the temple.

The temple welcomes visitors daily, with darshan timings from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Early morning hours between 5–8 AM and the winter months from November to February are considered the best times to visit, offering a pleasant and serene experience.

There is no strict official dress code for men or women, but respectful attire is recommended to maintain the sanctity of the temple premises. Entry for darshan is free of charge, making it accessible to all devotees and tourists.

Parking at Bharat Mata Mandir is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use public transport or nearby parking facilities. The main map display is on the ground floor and is accessible to all.

Photography is generally allowed within the temple, though visitors should look out for signs or consult staff regarding any restrictions. Accommodation options are plentiful in the surrounding areas of Sigra, Chetganj, and near Varanasi Cantt, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.

While in Varanasi, visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Kaal Bhairav Temple, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Ramnagar Fort, and JHV Mall, all located within a short distance from Bharat Mata Mandir.

Visit information

Timings

6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Dress code

MenNo strict official dress code; respectful attire recommended
WomenNo strict official dress code; respectful attire recommended

Parking & accessibility

Limited on-site parking; nearby parking or public transport recommended. Main map is on ground floor and accessible.

Darshan entry

  • Free DarshanFree

Best time to visit

  • Early morning (5–8 AM)
  • Winter (Nov–Feb)

Timings

6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Dress code

MenNo strict official dress code; respectful attire recommended
WomenNo strict official dress code; respectful attire recommended

Parking & accessibility

Limited on-site parking; nearby parking or public transport recommended. Main map is on ground floor and accessible.

Darshan entry

  • Free DarshanFree

Best time to visit

  • Early morning (5–8 AM)
  • Winter (Nov–Feb)

How to reach

By road

  1. From Varanasi Junction (Cantt Railway Station): Take an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, or taxi towards Sigra Chauraha, then proceed to Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus.
  2. From Banaras Railway Station (BSBS): Hire a local auto or cab directly to the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus.
  3. From Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS): Take a prepaid taxi or app-based cab to Sigra, Varanasi.

By train

  • Varanasi Junction (BSB) / Cantt3.5 km
  • Banaras Railway Station (BSBS)5 km
  • Kashi Railway Station6 km

By air

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)30 km

Location

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Directions
Open in Google Maps

Stay & nearby

Where to stay

Numerous guesthouses and hotels in Sigra, Chetganj, and near Varanasi Cantt; options range from budget to luxury.

Nearby attractions

  • Kaal Bhairav Temple2 km
  • Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple4.5 km
  • Assi Ghat5.5 km
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat4 km
  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple6.5 km
  • Ramnagar Fort7.5 km
  • JHV Mall3.5 km

Heritage & details

Historical period
Modern / recent
Built by
Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta (1918–1936), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi

Local names

  • Bharat Mata Mandir
  • Mother India Temple
  • Map Temple

Heritage status

  • Panchayat / local trust

Photography rules

  • Photography generally allowed; check for signs or ask staff for restrictions.

Visitor reviews

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Quick links

  • Open in Maps

Sections

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  • Visit
  • How to reach
  • Stay nearby
  • Heritage
  • Reviews

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