PM Modi inaugurates Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi: 10 facts about world's largest meditation centre

Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Swarved Mahamandir, a magnificent seven-floor temple located in Varanasi's Umaraha area. Following the inauguration, he along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took a tour of the centre that can seat 20,000 people at a time for meditation.

Swarveds Mahamandir illuminated on the eve of its inauguration, in Varanasi, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (PTI)

Prime Minister Modi participated in the centenary celebration of Vihangam Yoga during his visit to the temple. This marked his second visit, the first being in December 2021. The annual congregation of Vihangam Yog commemorates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Vihangam Yog Sansthan by Sadguru Sadafal Deoji Maharaj, a 19th-century spiritual leader, mystic poet, and seer. The Mahamandir houses the idol of the revered seer.

Here's everything you need to know about this grand spiritual edifice:

1. The temple boasts a stunning design with 125-petal lotus domes and an impressive 20,000-seating capacity, making it one of the largest meditation centers in the world.
2. Situated in the Umaraha area, approximately 12 km from the Varanasi city centre, the Swarved Mahamandir covers an expansive area of 3,00,000 square feet.
3. The foundation of the Mahamandir was laid in 2004 by Sadguru Acharya Swantantra Dev and Sant Pravar Vigyan Dev.
4. The construction involved the collaborative efforts of 600 workers and 15 engineers.
5. The temple features teakwood ceilings and doors with intricate carvings, along with 101 fountains.
6. Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir -- a seven-floor superstructure.
7. Pink sandstone decorates the walls, and a beautiful garden with medicinal herbs adds to the grandeur.
8. The temple is named after the Swarved, a spiritual text authored by Sadguru Shri Sadafal Deoji Maharaj, an eternal yogi and the founder of Vihangam Yoga.
9. According to the temple's website, Swarved Mahamandir aims to “illuminate humankind with its magnificent spiritual aura and engulf the world in a state of peaceful alertness.”
10. The temple promotes the teachings of Swarveda, emphasizing Brahm Vidya—a body of knowledge empowering spiritual seekers to maintain a state of consummate Zen, characterized by unwavering constancy in peace and happiness.