Ratneshwar Temple of Varanasi is dedicated to Mahadev. It is also known as the tilted temple of Matrirun Mahadev, Varanasi, or Kashi Karvat. There are many temples in Varanasi or Banaras, but there is no other temple like Ratneshwar Temple. Its special feature makes it different from other temples. Actually, unlike other temples, this temple stands at an angle. Ratneshwar Temple is situated between Manikarnika Ghat and Scindia Ghat. It remains submerged in river water for most of the year. Sometimes the water level even rises to the top of the temple. It is said that this temple was built in the middle of the 19th century. The temple is depicted in different photographs from the 1860s.
Temple Architecture
This is a building which is more inclined and higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa Tower in Italy. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is tilted by about 4 degrees, but the Ratneshwar Temple near Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi is tilted by about 9 degrees. According to some reports, the temple’s height is 74 meters, which is 20 meters more than that of Pisa. The historical Ratneshwar temple is centuries old.
If we talk about the architecture of this temple, it has been constructed in classical style with Nagar Shikhar and Phamsan Mandap. About architecture, the pavilion is a pillared hall for public spaces. By a very rare coincidence, this temple is built at the lower level of the holy river Ganga. Interestingly, the water level can reach the top of the temple. It seems as if the builder knew that most of the temple would be underwater, so it was built in a very small space. Although this temple is still underwater, it is still preserved and considered valuable.
The Story behind the bending of the temple
Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple was established by Ratnabai, the maid of Queen Mother and Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Due to a weak base, this temple tilted towards one side over time, which is unique in itself. Not just one or two but many Shivlingas are installed in the sanctum sanctorum. It is also called the mini court of Shiva. Many people fool pilgrims and devotees by calling it Kashi Karvat. Whereas Kashi Karvat Temple is in Kachori Gali.