Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is a strange and holy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Leaning Temple of Varanasi and is famous for its distinct tilt. During the monsoon season, the temple is partially soaked in the Ganges but remains standing through the years. It leans at about a nine-degree angle. The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is located near Manikarnika Ghat in Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Banaras is renowned for its serene ghats, beautiful temples, and charming scenery, attracting plenty of pilgrims, devotees, and travellers seeking peaceful and spiritual experiences in this temple town.
History of Kashi Karvat
Ratneshwar Mahadev is also known as the Kashi Karvat. According to one myth, Raja Man Singh’s servant constructed the Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir as a tribute to his mother. The story goes that when he finished the temple, he expressed great satisfaction in having paid all his mother’s debt. But because of the mother’s curse, the temple started to tilt, pointing out that a mother’s responsibility is never fully satisfied. As a result, Matri Rin is the name given to the temple.
Another myth claims Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s maid Ratna created the temple. The temple began to tilt because she named it after herself, and for that, she was cursed. The temple’s unique personality and spiritual significance in Varanasi are strengthened by these legends.
Height of the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
According to several assumptions, compared with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, a Ratneshwar temple’s height is roughly 74 meters, which is approximately 20 meters higher than the tower in Italy.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple Curse
The story claims that the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is cursed, causing it to lean. It is believed that the temple began tilting due to a curse from a mother, symbolizing that “a mother’s debt can never be repaid.” Because of this, the temple is also known as ‘Matri Rin’ (Mother’s Debt). Additionally, the temple remains submerged in water for eight months of the year.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple Timings
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir is open 24 hours a day and has no time restrictions for tourists.
| Days | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 24 Hours |
| Tuesday | 24 Hours |
| Wednesday | 24 Hours |
| Thursday | 24 Hours |
| Friday | 24 Hours |
| Saturday | 24 Hours |
| Sunday | 24 Hours |
Time Required to Visit the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
It normally takes one to two hours to visit the holy place of Manikarnika Ghat in Banaras, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir.
Ratneshwar Mahadev Mandir Entry Fee
The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple offers free entry to all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy the mesmerising views of the historic Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most famous and spiritual sites along the Ganges River.
How to Reach Varanasi
- By Road: Varanasi is easily accessible via bus or drive-through city, and there are numerous ways to get here from the larger cities.
- By Rail: The main railway station in Varanasi is the Varanasi Junction Railway Station (varanasi canton railway station), which is approximately 4.5 km away from the temple. The other railway station in the city is Kashi, Varanasi City, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction.
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shashtri International Airport is the nearest airport located 26 kilometers from the city.
- By Boat (Ganges River): Boating down the Ganges River to reach Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is another uncommon and beautiful option.
Where to Stay near Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
A number of hotels and dharamshalas are situated in nearby areas of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. You can easily book your stay from YatraDham.Org at a budget price.
Address of Ratneshwar Temple
Address: Ratneshwar Mahadev, Manikarnika Ghat, next to cremation Ground, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
In conclusion, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple provides a special combination of spiritual and beautiful experiences close to Varanasi’s well-known Manikarnika Ghat. It encourages everyone to immerse themselves in the rich religious and cultural traditions of the city and offers entry for free. Whether travelling by car, train, or peacefully Ganges boat, a trip to the temple offers a calm and unforgettable experience for tourists as well as pilgrims.
