This is the most photographed temple in the city, and the reason is that it leans from the back, with its inner sanctum mostly submerged under the waters of the Ganges throughout the year, except during the summer months. Also known as the Leaning Temple of Varanasi, it is often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. The temple has a height of 13 meters and is significantly tilted at the back. Imagine getting some great pictures of this ancient temple, which is dedicated to Shiva.
The temple is located near Manikarnika Ghat, and it leans by nine degrees. Unlike the other temples, it is built at a very low level, and the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) remains perpetually underwater for most of the year.
Ratneshwar Mahadev: The Leaning Temple of Varanasi
The temple is also known as Kashi Karvat, which refers to its unique leaning feature.
It is said that the temple was constructed by a servant of Raja Man Singh for his mother, Ratna Bai, over five hundred years ago. As soon as it was built, the man proclaimed that he had repaid his debt to his mother. Immediately after saying these words, the temple tilted by nine degrees. This is the legendary story behind the leaning temple.
All in all, this temple adds to the mystique of the Ghats and is a must-see for most travelers to this great holy city.
