Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, Varanasi
Source Wikipedia
Location & Introduction
Located on the banks of the river Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this mysterious Ratneshwar Mahadev temple is also locally known as the 'Leaning Temple of Varanasi.' Situated between the Man Mandir Ghat and the Singh Dwar Ghat, one of the most important ghats of Varanasi, this temple has been the center of curiosity of tourists and researchers for ages, for its unique architecture and amazing tilting structure. It is the only temple in Varanasi that remains submerged under the waters of the Ganges for most of the year, especially during the rainy season.
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| Manikarnika Ghat Benares from the river by James Prinsep, 1832 Source Wikipedia |
It is a temple of Shiva, where he is worshipped in the form of Ratneswara (meaning 'God of Gems' or Shiva). Sometimes the temple is also known as 'Matru Bhakta Shiva Mandir,' because according to a legend associated with the temple, it was built by a son to repay his mother's debt. The temple is architecturally inclined by more than 9 degrees, which is more than the Pizza Tower! It is this tilted position that makes the temple even more mysterious and spectacular.
History and architecture
The construction of Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the most talked about and mysterious temples in Varanasi, is still controversial and shrouded in mystery. According to many historians and researchers, the temple was built in the middle of the 18th century. However, some sources claim that it was built during the period of Peshwa Bajirao or by a member of a Maratha royal family working under him. According to some, the temple may have been built by the family of Annapurna or Raja Man Singh. But according to the most popular legend, a rich Maratha woman—who wanted to repay her mother's debt—built this temple, from which another name of the temple is "Matribhakt Shiv Mandir."
The temple was built on the banks of the Ganges and is located in such a way that its lower part (sanctum sanctorum and base) is submerged under the waters of the Ganges for most of the year. This is a strange and unique example, because in India generally no temple is built underwater. During the rainy season, the entire temple is almost submerged in the waters of the Ganges, and only the peak can be seen.
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| Vishnu Pud and Other Temples near the Burning Ghat, Benares, Photo by Samuel Bourne. Wikipedia |
The most striking feature of this temple is its structure—it is tilted about 9 degrees! That's more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. The reason for this tilting is not entirely clear even today, but it is assumed that the foundation of the temple was not solid earth, but was built on the damp and muddy soil of the Ganges, due to which it slowly tilted. It is also believed that the foundation of the temple is submerged in water for most of the year, which can cause a landslide under the ground.
Apart from this, the Shivlinga inside the temple is also submerged in the Ganges water, and regular worship is not possible here. Only in winter and when the water level of the Ganges decreases can devotees enter and worship here.
Thus, Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple has become one of the most talked-about temples in India not only for its spirituality or Shaivite heritage but also for the mysticism of its architecture, submerged location, and tilted structure.
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| 1953 Source Wikipedia |
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Ratneswar Mahadev Temple is located near the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the ghats on the Ganges in Varanasi, which itself is a very sacred place in Hinduism. This temple is not only a place of worship but also an unparalleled symbol of faith, spirituality, tradition, and devotion of Hindus.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, Shiva is the god of creation, preservation, and destruction—the one who removes sins and grants salvation to devotees. As Varanasi itself is known as the 'City of Shiva,' Ratneswar Mahadev Temple is a proud part of it, where the devotees of Lord Shiva worship, especially on Shivratri, in the month of Shravan, and on other Shaivite tithis.
From a cultural point of view, this temple evokes a deep curiosity in the Indian public. On the one hand, the temple remains submerged in the waters of the Ganges for most of the year; on the other hand, it has survived for centuries in a mysterious tilted state. These features make it not only a religious site but also an architectural wonder and a center of folklore and cultural discourse.
In addition, the Ratneswar Mahadev Temple is an element in the cultural and religious picture of Varanasi, which has emerged from time to time in local folk art, stories, video documentaries, and social media. Tourists can have a view of Manikarnika Ghat from here, which symbolizes the cycle of birth and death and the eternal concept of Shiva Bhakti.
All in all, Ratneswar Mahadev Temple is not just a place—it is a reflection of divine sentiments, religious sentiments, and the living heritage of Varanasi, which has captivated devotees and tourists for centuries.
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| Submerged temple, 2011. Source: Wikipedia |
Conclusion
The Ratneswar Mahadev Temple is not just a structure; it is a living reflection of the spiritual history, architecture, and faith of Banaras. Despite the weakening of the soil, heavy rains, and river erosion, its stability and spiritual efforts continue. Raised in caverns and underwater, the temple, while actually more imposing than the Tower of Pisa, is equally determined by its spiritual and cultural significance.
Google Map The Ratneswar Mahadev Temple
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