Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar

Bharat Mata Mandir, also known as the Mother India Temple, is a unique 8-storey white structure situated near the river Ganga in the heart of Haridwar. Founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri and inaugurated in 1983 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, this temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata as a symbol of unity, integrity, values, and the rich heritage of India — beyond barriers of caste, creed, race, language, or state.

Bharat Mata Temple in Haridwar is unique in India because it is dedicated not to a deity in the traditional sense, but to Bharat Mata — the personification of India as the “Motherland.” It holds national, cultural, and spiritual significance.

The idol of Bharat Mata is shown holding the national flag and wearing a tri-coloured sari, representing Unity in Diversity. The temple stands as a tribute to India’s freedom fighters, saints, leaders, and cultural legacy.

Historical & Cultural Significance

The concept of Bharat Mata predates India’s Partition and symbolises the motherland of Hinduism (Aryavarta) in Hindu nationalist thought. Abanindranath Tagore’s famous painting of Bharat Mata depicts her with four arms holding a book, sheaves of rice, a mala, and a white cloth — gifts of Shiksha (education), Diksha (discipline), Anna (food), and Vastra (clothing) to her children. The motto “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is used by the Indian Army and many organisations as a salute to the nation.

Temple Structure – Floor-wise Details

1- First Floor – Bharat Mata Mandir-
Houses the main statue of Bharat Mata.

2- Second Floor – Shoor Mandir-
Dedicated to India’s great heroes and martyrs.

3- Third Floor – Matru Mandir-
Honouring revered women like Meera Bai, Savitri, and Maitri.

4- Fourth Floor – Sant Mandir-
Featuring great saints from Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

5- Fifth Floor – Assembly Hall-
Walls depict India’s cultural unity and provincial beauty.

6- Sixth Floor – Goddess Shakti Mandir-
Showcasing various forms of Goddess Shakti.

7- Seventh Floor – Vishnu Mandir-
Dedicated to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

8- Eighth Floor – Lord Shiva Shrine-
Housing the shrine of Lord Shiva, supreme god in Hindu tradition.