Sri Sarved Mandir

Sri Sarved Mandir, nestled within the spiritual tapestry of Varanasi, stands as a profound symbol of universal harmony and Vedic synthesis. Established in the early 20th century by the spiritual reformer Sri Sarveshwarananda, a sage of deep Vedic erudition and universalist vision, the temple was envisioned not merely as a place of worship, but as a center of integral spirituality—a convergence point of all paths of Sanatana Dharma.

Built around 1936, the temple is constructed from locally sourced sandstone and granite, combining Dravidian pillars, Nagara-style shikhara, and Buddhist-inspired arches, symbolizing the unity of diverse Indian traditions. The sanctum features a central Sarvadevata murti—a composite idol representing Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Surya, Ganesha, and the Buddha, seated on a common pedestal of Dharma. This iconography embodies the temple’s core philosophy: “Sarvamat Samanvaya”—the reconciliation of all paths.

The inner sanctum walls are engraved with verses from the Rig Veda, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Buddhist Dhammapada, in Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, and Pali, highlighting the temple’s commitment to inclusivity across languages and lineages. A unique feature of Sri Sarved Mandir is its open-air central hall, called the Samanvaya Sabha, where spiritual discourses, interfaith dialogues, and classical recitations are held regularly. Philosophers and seekers from Advaita, Dvaita, Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, Jain, and Buddhist traditions have spoken here, continuing the legacy of unity amidst diversity.

A sacred flame—reminiscent of the eternal fire of Vedic yajnas—burns continuously in the central chamber, symbolizing the ageless quest for truth. Surrounding the flame are six altars, each dedicated to a principal deity and philosophical school. The north quadrant altar, housing a Shivalinga carved from Himalayan blackstone, was consecrated by Mahant Swami Nityananda Giri in 1940. The eastern altar, dedicated to Sri Krishna, includes a recitation platform where the Gita is sung daily in various ragas. The southern sanctum, honoring the Divine Mother, contains a Yantra-inscribed Devi murti installed during the 1952 Navaratri Maha Yajna.

Adjacent to the main shrine lies the Sarved Bodhi Grove, planted with saplings from sacred sites such as Chidambaram, Bodh Gaya, Kedarnath, and Sarnath. In its center stands a Sri Chakra Mandala platform, surrounded by eight meditation benches representing the Eightfold Path and Ashtanga Yoga. Nearby is the Yajna Mandapam, an open hall where daily Agnihotra rituals are conducted by resident scholars, accompanied by Vedic chanting and conch blowing at dawn and dusk.

The temple library and museum, added in 1975, house over 5,000 palm-leaf manuscripts and early commentaries on the Brahmasutras, Yoga Vasistha, Jain Agamas, and Buddhist Tripitaka. Rare artifacts like a bronze Ardhanarishvara idol from the 9th century and a 17th-century illustrated Bhagavata Purana manuscript attract both scholars and spiritual tourists.

Sri Sarved Mandir stands not just as a sacred structure, but as a living ashram of spiritual convergence, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and seekers from across traditions. It continues to echo Sri Sarveshwarananda’s message inscribed at the temple’s entrance:
“Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti – Truth is One, the Wise Call it by Many Names.”