Ratneshwar Mahadev temple, Hindu temple at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi, India

Ratneshwar Mahadev is a Hindu temple at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India, dedicated to Shiva. It has a pale tan stone Nagara shikhara carved with rows of rounded bud-like motifs, rising about 13 m above a flat-roofed porch with square pillars and a carved cornice. The tower leans about nine degrees northwest, and its base is partly submerged in the Ganges.

The construction took place between 1825 and 1830 following a commission by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar or Queen Baija Bai of Gwalior. Later, continuous erosion of the riverbank damaged the foundation and led to the current tilt toward the northwest.

The temple is also called Kashi Karvat, from Kashi, the old name of Varanasi, and karvat, Hindi for leaning. James Prinsep, assay master at the Banaras Mint from 1820 to 1830, noted that when the entrance was underwater the priest dived in to conduct worship. A 2015 lightning strike slightly damaged elements of the shikhara.

You can reach the temple through the steps of Manikarnika Ghat in the old city of Varanasi near the cremation grounds. During monsoon season from July to September, the prayer room often stands underwater, while it becomes accessible again from April to June.

The tilt measures nine degrees toward the northwest and exceeds the four degrees of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Despite this strong incline, the structure remains stable and continues to be used for religious practices.